My Discombobulated Brain, the Welsh mental health charity that aims to tackle the stigma associated with mental health and offer a source of support and education to those affected by these issues, is delighted to be working alongside Newport County AFC in starting the first regular mental health drop-in sessions at Bar Amber.
These sessions will run on the 1st Wednesday 12-2 and 3rd Thursday 4:30-6:30 of the month in Bar Amber starting on 8 January 2020.
Charity founder, Laura Dernie said: “We are very proud of all the work that we do with Newport County AFC, however being able to use Bar Amber and give the fans a ‘safe space’ to talk about how they are feeling is something that we are very proud to do. We know through personal experience that talking can really help you and having that ‘safe space’ can really make the difference.”
Newport County AFC Equality & Diversity Director, Colin Faulkner said, “We are glad to have collaborated with My Discombobulated Brain to provide a venue for me to people to talk with others in a similar position and get some advice and signposting to services. As an EFL Member it is vital we use our status to assist people in our community with their mental health issues and improve their wellbeing. It’s open to anyone even if they just need a timeout from their hectic lives for a coffee and make a connection.”
Everyone will know someone who suffers from a mental health condition, ranging from depression and bipolar to body dysmorphia and anorexia. Suicide is the number one killer of men under the age of 40 and this is something that Newport County AFC and My Discombobulated Brain want to change.
Despite increased media exposure in recent years, the understanding and acceptance of issues surrounding mental health are languishing 40 years behind the likes of cancer research.