The Football Mental Health Alliance

Julian Kynaston is the Chair of GenM, the menopause partner for brands.

GenM, founded by Heather Jackson and Sam Siminster, empowers its Collective to better serve the unmet needs of the 1 billion global menopausal audience, too often overlooked and underserved.

A self-proclaimed feminist, Julian aims to debunk myths and open up crucial conversations about menopause, educating the wider audience on how menopause affects the majority of us, either directly or indirectly. He emphasises the need for increasing awareness among the countless women still in the dark about Perimenopause, many of whom are frightened by their experiences.

Not someone who you would look at and think 'menopause', Julian speaks with expertise and passion on the unequivocal link between menopause and mental health and how both women and men need to understand it to support themselves and others.

"Menopause is a woman's problem, so why should men care? I think that's a load of nonsense. Understanding is universal."

Find Julian here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-kynaston/

Find Gen-M here: https://gen-m.com/

In this candid and insightful session, in association with Reward Finance Group, Steven, who played for England and Premier League clubs Liverpool, Southampton and Spurs delves into his personal journey with mental health, offering an unparalleled perspective on the challenges footballers face on and off the pitch.

With a career that has seen the highs of Premier League success and international duty, alongside the lows of personal struggles with depression and addiction, Caulker's story is a testament to resilience and the importance of mental health support in the beautiful game.

Steven also offers his thoughts on Scotland and England's performances so far in the Euros.

Guest: Hans Cook, Business Support Administrator at Berks and Bucks FA. Responsible for supporting the CEO and staff with administrative tasks across areas including Finance, Process Management, HR, Office Management and Communications. Mental Health Ambassador for Berks & Bucks FA.

In this episode, Hans shares his transformative journey from the field of chemistry to the football pitch, highlighting how his personal struggles with mental health shaped his career and advocacy.

Hans discusses:

• Personal Journey: From earning a master's degree in chemistry and working in drug discovery to experiencing burnout and shifting his focus to mental health advocacy.
• Football as a Support System: How football has provided a sense of community and support throughout his life, helping him navigate challenging times.
• Mental Health in Football: The role grassroots football plays in supporting mental health, the impact of community and belonging, and the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments in sports.
• Challenges and Barriers: Addressing the stigmas and pressures in football regarding mental health and how to build more open and supportive conversations.
• Balancing Passions and Well-being: Hans' insights on managing multiple passions, avoiding burnout, and the importance of rest and recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of vulnerability and sharing personal stories in fostering community and support.
• The significant role of grassroots football in promoting mental health and well-being.
• Practical advice on balancing passions, maintaining mental health, and the importance of consistent self-care.

Connect with Hans:

LinkedIn

Hans' Cap'N'Chino

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Over four million children in England play football, which for many is the start of a lifelong love affair with the sport. Many years down the line these children will become the volunteers that keep the game running, whilst many will continue playing well into their later years. A very small portion of them will even make it professional.

The following tips and advice on managing ADHD have been sourced from personal experiences shared by individuals on the internet. This information should not be considered medical advice. As with all content provided by The Vault, it is essential to seek specialist or expert advice before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

The first time I said these words I was 19, doing my first stint in rehab. I never really knew what they meant, and I certainly didn't know just how bad things were going to get.

What does it mean?

"People with compulsive gambling have a hard time resisting or controlling the impulse to gamble. The brain is reacting to this impulse in the same manner it reacts to a person addicted to alcohol or drugs."

In this episode of the FMHA Podcast titled "Tough to Talk," host Danny delves into the pressing issue of male suicide with Steve Whittle from the charity Tough to Talk.

The conversation addresses why discussing mental health, particularly suicide, remains a challenge, especially among men. Steve shares his personal experiences with suicide attempts and mental health struggles, emphasising the importance of open discussions about mental health without stigma.

He also discusses the statistical realities of male suicide, noting that while women attempt suicide more frequently, men are more likely to die from their attempts. The podcast highlights the crucial role of supportive conversations and interventions in preventing suicide and encourages listeners to engage in honest and direct dialogues about their mental health challenges.

Steve's insights are grounded in his extensive work with Tough to Talk, which aims to reduce male suicide rates by creating environments where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health. The charity's approach includes educating men in male-dominated spaces about recognising signs of distress in themselves and others, and how to respond effectively.

The episode is a compelling call to action for listeners to prioritise mental health discussions within their communities, emphasising that understanding and intervention can save lives.

This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of male mental health issues and the importance of community support in addressing this silent crisis.

In this episode of the Football Mental Health Alliance podcast, host Danny warmly welcomes Jake Mills, an award-winning comedian and the founder of the Hub of Hope, a pioneering charity dedicated to mental health support.

As they delve into Jake's transformative journey from battling personal mental health challenges to spearheading a national charity, the conversation highlights the crucial role of mental health awareness in grassroots football and beyond.

Jake shares his personal experiences with mental health struggles, which culminated in a suicide attempt that became a turning point in his life.

His recovery and subsequent public advocacy have inspired the creation of the Hub of Hope, an accessible directory of mental health services aimed at making support as easy to find as ordering a takeaway.

This episode not only sheds light on the individual struggles and triumphs associated with mental health but also underscores the importance of community support systems in sports settings, particularly football, where the collective spirit and passion can significantly amplify mental health awareness and support.

Have you ever walked into a packed bar or a football stadium?

Y’know, where you’re enveloped by that dull buzz of inaudible noise like you’re stepping into a wall of treacle?

Well, imagine that your brain tried to process every single word from every single conversation simultaneously.

Tricky, right?

I always remember watching the scene in Bruce Almighty where he starts hearing millions of prayers all at once and thinking:

“That’s exactly how my head sounds.”