WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Club supports World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is a global initiative designed to promote dialogue surrounding mental health, and highlight the significance of mental wellbeing. Its purpose is to encourage individuals to openly discuss mental health issues and to eliminate the stigma often associated with them.

Supporters now have the opportunity to watch an unedited conversation between Kevin Mincher, a member of the Club's performance team, Nigel Seaman, Founder of Combat2Coffee, Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind and Town number 12, Dom Ball.

The 40-minute chat discusses the importance of talking openly, with each contributer sharing their personal mental health stories and offering advice. The discussion also alluded to the launch of the 'I've Bean Better' campaign, a collaboration between Combat2Coffee, Suffolk Mind, and Ipswich Town Foundation, aimed at creating conversations. Coffee-themed pin badges with three designs (Combat2Coffee, Ipswich Town Foundation and Suffolk Mind) are available for purchase at Planet Blue, with more information surrounding the campaign available here. 

Supporters can watch the 'I've Bean Better' chat here.

Town defender Elkan Baggott, alongside representatives from Suffolk Mind, visited Castle Hill Primary, a partner school of the Foundation. They addressed young students on the topic of mental health in sports and how professional athletes manage their mental well-being. Elkan also participated in a session conducted by the local charity and stayed behind to talk with Suffolk Mind staff on the support systems in place at Ipswich Town for players' mental health.

As part of the awareness campaign, the Club also dedicated its match against Preston North End on Saturday, 7 October, to charity partner, Suffolk Mind. The matchday incorporated various elements focusing on mental health awareness. Players donned warm-up shirts displaying mental health statistics related to Suffolk. British Heavyweight Champion and WBA Continental Champion, Fabio Wardley, also delivered an interview in the FanZone before the game, shedding light on mental health in boxing and stressing the importance of a resilient mindset. Jon Neal did a pitchside interview at half-time, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness in Suffolk and the significance of open discussions on the subject. Club staff, including manager Kieran McKenna and CEO Mark Ashton, also showed their support for the campaign by wearing 'I've Bean Better' badges.

On this World Mental Health Day, take a moment to engage in a conversation with a friend, colleague, or family member. 

It's ok not to be ok. Help is available. 

For more information or for support, please visit www.suffolkmind.org.uk.