Dartford Football Club have announced a partnership with North Kent Mind, setting up their own Men's Group to combat the stigma around male mental health.
The football club has agreed to host the Men's Group at its Princes Park Stadium in Dartford, open to all men who have previously suffered or are suffering from any kind of mental health issues.
Offering something different to what you might expect on the pitch on a Saturday, the group will aim to give men an opportunity to raise and explore questions in a "safe, non-judgemental, confidential male environment."
Tony Burman, current club director and legend at the club, said the club is "committed to supporting the community" and the work of North Kent Mind.
He added: "We are happy to host this group as men's mental health is such a important issue, and more men need to talk about it."
North Kent Mind, an independent mental health charity operating across Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and surrounding areas, provides a range of services for people who experience mental health issues.
With suicide still the most common cause of death amongst men aged 20 to 49, the charity pointed out the dire need for a more open approach to men's mental health.
On average, 12 men in the British Isles take their own life every single day, whilst 77% of men have suffered anxiety, stress and/or depression.
Despite this, over 40% of men still won't talk to anyone about their mental health.
The group, based off models across the country, will be a peer support group and so will give everyone an opportunity to share similar experiences with each other.
Darren Giddings, a participant in a previous group, commented: "I have experienced suicide in my family and the group let me be able to talk openly, and to help others through my own experiences."
The group starts on January 30 at the Dartford stadium, running from 5:30pm until 7:30pm for around 10 weeks.
Anyone interested in joining or wanting more information can contact Darren Gosling, the Men's Group facilitator at North Kent Mind,
at darrengosling@northkentmind.co.uk.
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