As part of the EFL’s partnership with the mental health charity Mind, Preston North End Community and Education Trust staff completed a mental health training course earlier in the year to improve their understanding of both their own and colleagues’ mental wellbeing.
The training was carried out for clubs across the country, with 14 members of PNECET staff undergoing the educational course which focused on the prevalence of mental health, while also providing practical activities for staff to take care of themselves and co-workers.
Another aim of the session was to increase each person’s confidence in talking about mental health and knowing when and where they can go to find support both locally and nationally.
Sagwati Malabi, Schools Provision Officer for the Trust, explained how he had found the mental health training beneficial.
“It was interesting and helpful to find out all about the work that Mind does to support people with mental health issues,” he said.
“Seeing the statistics of how many people struggle with mental health problems shocked and surprised me and it has made me realise the importance of looking after my own mental health and wellbeing.
“It has also made me consider the importance of making sure that I switch off from work and spend quality time with my family and friends. These are the people that would be my support network should I struggle with my own mental health and I now realise how important it is to talk to the people around me if I was to struggle with my mental health.
“Knowing that colleagues have also participated in the same training, I will feel more comfortable to speak to them knowing that they will listen, offer advice and point me in the right direction.”
Mind can be contacted on 0300 123 3393 for more information about mental health and signposting services.
The most local Mind branch to Preston is based in Leyland at 45 Hough Land, PR25 2SA, with opening hours from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday, and they can be contacted on 01772 301 826.