Mental health partners including NSFT team up for an awareness evening
Nearly 200 people attended a Mental Health Awareness Evening at the Norfolk Lounge at Carrow Road on Thursday, 18 January hosted by Norwich City Fans’ Social Club.
This ground-breaking event saw 22 mental health services and organisations in Norfolk, including Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) and Norfolk and Waveney Wellbeing, join together at Norwich City Football Club for a night of unity and support for those dealing with mental health challenges.
The event was hosted by former Norwich City winger Darren Eadie, with special guests, including Norwich City player Onel Hernández, goalkeeper George Long and Sir Norman Lamb, a passionate mental health advocate.
On the night Sir Norman Lamb discussed how important events like this were to ‘connect the dots’ and bring together organisations working to support those in the community who may be affected by poor mental health.
It was a great opportunity not only for local people to learn about the services available but for organisations to strengthen links with each other. The NSFT teams present, Op COURAGE and perinatal, were able to discuss and increase awareness of the services offered.
Kelvin Colbourn, Norwich City Social Club Volunteer and Community Development Co-ordinator Team Leader for Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney helped to co-ordinate the event and attend with the Wellbeing service, alongside NSFT’s Op COURAGE and Perinatal teams.
Kelvin said: “The Mental Health Awareness Evening is the social club’s largest and most important night of the year. The coming together of many local services creates a safe, informative and, in some cases, life-changing atmosphere. We are so thankful to Norwich City for the use of Carrow Road and the players who are open to talking about mental health. We hope this will inspire others to do the same.”
The football players Onel Hernández and goalkeeper George Long discussed similarities between footballer’s mentality and that of those in service with Op COURAGE colleagues who had lived experience.
Stephen Curnow, Deputy Service Manager for Op Courage Integrated Veterans Wellbeing Service, said: “ We are always grateful for opportunities to highlight our service for armed forces veterans. Many veterans gravitate towards football in order to replicate the camaraderie, identity and activity that they have previously found in the armed forces. However, the transition into civilian life remains challenging for many, characterised by increased incidence of poor mental health, unresolved trauma, socio-economic disadvantage, and loss of role and purpose. This event allowed us to highlight what we can offer and also the quick and easy ways in which veterans can self-refer.”
NSFT’s perinatal team took the opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges men can face in the perinatal period and promote the evolving approach of our services to think about families rather than just mother and baby’s care.
Kelly Moulds, People Participation Co-Ordinator for the perinatal service, said: “With one in 10 men experiencing a mental health condition during the perinatal period, it is so important to be aware of local grassroot organisations where we can signpost someone if they need support. Attending this year’s event gave us the opportunity to promote our partners’ offer and have the opportunity to ask men for feedback about our services. It is so important to have these conversations and begin breaking down the stigma of mental health.”