Almost a month after the events of the Champions League final, Liverpool and the LFC Foundation have provided a to update in its support for for local mental health organizations. This support aims to connect those affected by the events at the Stade de France that night with relevant mental health professionals.
It’s no secret that the actions taken by the French police at the Stade de France were extremely triggering for many fans who were present at the final, and Liverpool have done well to ensure that fans can get help, should the need arise. need. .
This support includes a landing page on the LFC Foundation website with links and phone numbers to relevant services, as well as financial assistance to those same services for the likely influx of people in need. In addition, the club and foundation also worked closely with Liverpool’s director of public health, Matt Ashton, to create a downloadable toolkit with self-care tips, tools for recognizing personal responses to trauma and links for support. .
“It is vitally important that supporters know that help is available if they feel they need it,” Matt Parish, executive director of the LFC Foundation, said of the update.
“Working in conjunction with several expert mental health organizations and supported by the expertise of Matt Ashton, this ultimate resource is available to all fans. Not only does it point people to where to turn for support, it also offers advice to those dealing with the ongoing effects of such a harrowing event.”
While the links and support provided by the foundation are sadly only accessible to those living on Merseyside, it is the kind of support that is often overlooked by large sports organizations after the harrowing events fans experience. Events that Liverpool fans are sadly all too familiar with.
“The events in Paris will have been traumatic for many people to witness or experience, and could affect mood and mood,” Ashton added.
“For most people, this is a very natural part of the post-traumatic process, and these feelings will resolve after a couple of weeks. However, for a small number of people these feelings will persist.
“So it’s really important that LFC and the LFC Foundation are able to target wellness services and more specialized services as appropriate.”
If anyone is struggling with the events of the Champions League final, this writer encourages readers to seek mental health support too – it’s easier than you think and it will make a difference.
