The EFL and Mind encourage people to have the conversations that matter by bringing Preston’s iconic moment to life.
The English Football League (EFL) and their charity partner, Mind, are launching an awareness campaign for World Mental Health Day 2019, 'Goals Worth Talking About'.
Preston North End are one of a number of EFL clubs across the country whose fans have voted for their side’s most iconic EFL moment; each of which is set to be immortalised as street art in their respective cities.
PNE fans were given three momentous occasions in their club’s EFL history to vote on, the winner being selected via Preston North End’s twitter account (@pnefc), before a street artist will bring the moment back to life.
From the 3rd of October, the murals started popping up around the country with the aim of highlighting how football is often a conversation starter, and the importance of talking when it comes to mental health support.
Lilywhites supporters can see the artwork being produced outside the old BHS store on Fishergate on Saturday, before all eight of the pieces of art will be immortalised in photography and collated for the final exhibition to be on display in London on the 10th October, to mark World Mental Health Day.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said, “We know that football and emotion go hand in hand. That’s why we’re delighted to be marking World Mental Health Day this year with Goals Worth Talking About, as part of our charity partnership with the EFL.
“Football has the power to bring about real change. We hope that by harnessing the passion and emotion fans have about their clubs’ most significant goal through these fantastic pieces of street art, we can encourage more people to start up conversations about their emotions and ultimately their mental health too.
“Together, Mind and the EFL hope that Goals Worth Talking About can be the inspiration to people to make their first step to getting support.”
Debbie Jevans, EFL Executive Chair, said, “The EFL is proud to be associated with Mind as our charity partner and we are pleased to be able to work together to highlight the challenges around mental health on World Mental Health Day.
“The power of football and the Club badge provides a platform like no other and through the Goals Worth Talking About campaign and the EFL’s wider partnership with Mind, we aim to continue to encourage conversations and improve the approach to mental health in both football and in the wider society.”
A Preston North End spokesman added: “We are delighted to be part of Mind’s work with the EFL in raising awareness of the challenges of mental health. We are pleased to be a part of this opportunity to show how football can play its part in getting people talking and supporting those in need to assistance, especially with World Mental Health Day upon us.”
To find out more about the campaign, please visit: www.efl.com/onyourside
For advice and support please visit: www.mind.org.uk