City in the Community (CITC) celebrates Children’s Mental Health Week 2022 with a series of custom sessions and player appearances.
Workshops and discussions have been held on the topic of mental resilience within the mental health program of the charity, City Thrive.
City and England goalkeeper karen bardley called a group from the primary school, followed by Belgian international Kevin DeBruyne who took some time to talk to students at Oasis Academy Oldham.
Both players discussed what being resilient means to them and how they try to stay mentally positive even in the toughest of times.
Participants then had the opportunity to ask both players their own questions in a Q&A session.
DeBruyne He said, “Be yourself, be who you think you are and if something is going on or you’re really not acting the right way, I think your friends should be there for you, your family and then I think you’ll know what state you’re in.” mindset you’re in and that’s more important than what other people say about you.”
Steve, a teacher at Oasis Oldham, said, “The mental health program that City in the Community offers at our school has been invaluable.
“It gives students a safe place to talk about the things that concern them, the things that worry them, and to let them know that it’s okay to not be okay. It has made a huge and tangible difference.”
Both sessions incorporated Manchester City Academy coach Jamie Carr, who will embark on his ‘Nothing Risky Challenge’ in 2022, which will see him run 250km across the Sahara desert in March, before rowing solo to across the Atlantic Ocean.
Jamie added: “Now I can see first hand how impactful the work can be for children in the Manchester area, it gives me a lift and helps with my motivation during those tough times, whether it’s when I’m training or when I’m taking on the challenges. .
“Since the pandemic, I think programs like this are hugely important for young people. I think we’re all extremely proud of City in the Community for breaking down barriers with City Thrive, long may it continue.”
When asked about Jamie’s challenge, Kevin said: “I think you’re a little crazy, I wouldn’t do it!
“I respect it, it’s a big challenge for you and the fact that you’re doing it for a good cause makes it even better.”
City Thrive is delivered in partnership with the NHS and includes a new mental health curriculum, combining specially tailored football sessions with one-on-one tutoring and group workshops on mental health awareness, to improve the mental well-being of people aged up to 25. old. -get older.
In addition, Manchester youth clubs run specific football sessions with mental health themes, allowing participants to enjoy physical activity while also accessing the benefits of individual mentoring and group workshops.
These sessions will continue during the school holidays, offering support and provision of food at a time when young people are most vulnerable to suffering with their physical and mental health.
Staff have been trained to help identify, support, and refer potential mental health issues for any participant.
An NHS doctor has also been assigned to City in the Community to support delivery staff and ensure participants offer immediate support for their mental wellbeing should it be required.
To donate to Jamie’s ‘Nothing Venturous Campaign’, which supports the City Thrive program, visit: www.nothingventuredcampaign.com/donate
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