Looking after your mental health as well as your physical health is at the heart of a new campaign being launched by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and North Riding County Football Association today, Monday 15 February.

The ‘No Substitute’ campaign uses football to get the message out that there is help available and talking about your mental health should not be seen as a sign of weakness.

Over the coming weeks local residents will see the campaign feature online and in the media, as well as on bus shelter sites right across Redcar and Cleveland. 

Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Welfare, Cllr Steve Kay, said: “A lot of people are feeling the strain right now, but they don’t need to cope on their own.

“The ‘Every Mind Matters’ website (www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/) which we are promoting as part of the campaign can really help you tackle the challenges that you might be facing and help you feel more in control.

“The site has a free planner and tips on how to deal with stress and anxiety, improving sleep and boosting your mood; so why not do something now about the way you are feeling.” 

Sharon Chappell from the Health Improvement Team added: “We know that for many people mental health is a high priority right now, so we are trying to let everyone know that the ‘Every Mind Matters’ website is a great source of information.

“It even helps you develop your own plan by asking five key questions. It’s private and you can access it from your phone so it couldn’t be easier.”

Andy Clay, Football Development Manager at North Riding County FA, explained: “When we were approached by the Council to take part in this health campaign, we jumped at the chance.

“Football is a great way to get messages out there and as a team we want to raise the awareness of the simple actions we can all take to look after our mental health.”

Every week in England, eight out of every 100 people will experience some form of anxiety or depression.

The pandemic has made it even more important that we talk about our mental health and start to take actions to keep well.

Sort out your game plan by visiting www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/