Lads FC is more than a football club. The aim of the club us to raise money for a range of charities but also offer support for people with their mental and physical health.

In order to meet our aims we have hired a welfare officer to focus his attention on both, the players mental/physical health, but also how we raise awareness for other causes to support people outside the club with any battles they come up against. As part of this we instantly introduced #WellnessWednesday to share positive quotes and tips, but also we launched #TeamTalkThursday which allows the players to get together virtually (or physically when it's permitted) to let loose, have a laugh and chat about anything on their mind.

OUR MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE, didn't come from our welfare officer but from a fellow player, Damion Brown. It can be difficult for people to speak about their feelings. It is often over thought, perhaps you write a message to a friend? Rewrite it, rewrite it again, "scrap it I can't send that, I won't bother" perhaps you find it difficult to check in on a friend? And when you do ask a friend how they are, we all know the answer to that question is "I'm fine" but is that an acceptable answer?

Damion has created an initiative called I'm (not) fine because like a lot of people, and men in particular he sometimes finds it hard to speak with his friends and family about his feelings and emotions.

The initiative he created allows him to check up on his friends without them having to say much back he will know how they are really feeling. But similarly if he wants some support, guidance, or maybe just engaging he can let people know where he is mentally without having to say too much. It also allows the friend or family member to ease him or anyone struggling into a conversation as they have a rough idea what they are dealing with.

If this initiative can help just 1 person get the support they need we know Damion will be delighted and so proud to have made a difference. Please help us share this initiative to make it known in every household. We all know a shake of the hand near your mouth means, 'do you want a brew?' let's make it so we all know how to react when someone sends that emoji 👂🏼 🐘 🦁 🦈 🦍 🦅