Time To Talk Day 2019
Surrey FA signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge in May 2018 with the aim of improving workplace well-being, supporting staff members and opening up the conversation about mental health to help reduce stigma around the topic.
Since signing the pledge, Surrey FA has successfully implemented a range of initiatives to do this, including appointing two Mental Health Employee Champions; Tamsyn Woodman and Ashley Gumbrell, who are both trained in Mental Health First Aid.
In recognising the link between physical and mental health, yoga sessions have been run at Meadowbank for staff members in their lunch break at a subsidised rate (run through Mary Frances Trust, a local Mental Health charity). These proved so popular that the initial five week trial was extended to several months! Tai Chi and Table Tennis have also been offered to staff to increase physical activity, reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Monthly ‘breakfast gatherings’ have also been held for staff members, with a different theme each month such as Stress Awareness Month in November and World Suicide Prevention Day in September. These monthly meetings are optional for all staff to attend, and gives everyone the opportunity to learn more about different aspects of mental health, talk openly about their own mental health if they wish, and to contribute new ideas for the Time to Change pledge.
Surrey FA will also be supporting the Time to Talk campaign on 7th February, with the theme of that month’s ‘breakfast gathering’ being about talking, and opening up the conversation around mental health. That week will also see the launch of Surrey FA’s annual ‘Office Olympics’ event for staff to compete in. The event will raise money for the charity Football V Homophobia, and we shall dedicate our Month of Action to supporting this campaign.