Kent FA have united with CALM UK to raise awareness of suicide in adults and get people talking and supporting each other across the Kent football landscape.

Kent FA recognise their role as a local governing body of football to share responsibility in tackling the stigma around mental health issues and raise awareness of suicide within Kent.

The new partnership between Kent FA and CALM UK does exactly that but not without your support. 

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) are leading a movement against suicide in the UK, each week 125 people take their own lives and CALM exist to change this.

The partnership aims to get people talking and recognising the importance of keeping communication with our team mates, coaches, committee members and the wider football community. 

Darryl Haden, Kent FA CEO commenting on the partnership: “This partnership is an important steppingstone in confronting the challenges surrounding mental health that affects 1 in 4 of us each year in England. In becoming the first County FA to work with CALM we will provide all of our players, volunteers, officials and staff with the resources to help themselves and those around them. With football we have the vehicle to reach so many people in the county. If we can have a positive impact on individuals and their communities then we must do it, and with CALM we'll change attitudes in the game and potentially save lives.”

Simon Gunning, CEO, CALM, added: “The Kent FA and CALM have joined forces to help empower people across the grassroots community to have those tricky conversations about everyday struggles on their own terms. It’s been a tough year for everyone involved in football, which is why it’s more important than ever that we stick together, and be there for our mates, family and people around us no matter what. By using the game we love, together we’ll tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and change the game for the better.”

To find out more about the campaign, or to see how you can support Kent FA and CALM please visit www.thecalmzone.net

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