The Bayer UK and Ireland Health and Safety team recently hosted a two-day mental health first aid course and trained eight supporters, staff and volunteers of the Reading Football Club to become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA).
The event was run with support from STAR (Supporters Trust at Reading) and Talking Royals, the online peer to peer support group for Reading fans. Run by Yvonne McCann and Lucy Haywood, trained MHFA instructors from the Reading-based Bayer UK head office, the training was the first of a series offered to the football club to help ensure that “on call” MHFAiders are available to fans at future games, the number of which could often reach tens of thousands.
One in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.[i] Furthermore, one fan in every fourth seat in a stadium will be suffering with their mental health.[ii] Given the strong emotional connection with the fans, football clubs are considered to be in a powerful position to help their fans with mental health issues.
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Yvonne McCann, Head of Health and Safety at Bayer UK and Ireland said: “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and it is essential that we foster a safe and supportive atmosphere for all fans and staff. This programme is part of Bayer’s mission to promote mental health awareness and support initiatives that strengthen community ties. By collaborating with Reading Football Club, we are taking a proactive step toward ensuring that mental health resources are accessible in the local community and encouraging all football clubs to take steps to support the mental wellbeing of staff, players and fans, both at games and beyond.”
“As a fan for many years, my connection with the club is one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about this programme. Lucy and I were trained as MHFA instructors in 2019 and have since trained over 100 MHFAiders within Bayer to support themselves, colleagues, friends and family. It’s a part of our role that genuinely makes us feel that we are contributing to reducing the stigma around mental health and providing help to those who are most in need. We are very pleased to provide this training to the football community that is also very close to my heart. It is a big win for them and us.”
The two full-day training course took place at The Select Car Leasing Stadium – the home of Reading Football Club, and were open to both supporters and staff. Participants learned about recognising mental health conditions, effective communication techniques, and how to respond in crisis situations. The training course was designed not only to enhance the essential skills required for immediate support available at the club through theory learning and practices, but also encourages a culture of openness and understanding, and empowers individuals to support one another to help further reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the long-term.
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All participants qualified as MHFAiders at the end of the course and received their MHFA UK lanyards, which will provide a quick reference guide and contacts for anyone who needs support.
“Reading Football Club is dedicated to the well-being of our supporters and staff,” said David Newell, 1st Assistant Grounds Person and MHFAider at Reading Football Club. “We are grateful for Bayer’s commitment to this initiative, which will undoubtedly make a positive impact in our community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone associated with the club.”
Dan, one of the course participants and a longtime Reading FC fan said: “For anyone thinking about doing a Mental Health First Aider course, do it, it really is that simple! The course content is educational but it’s the delivery and the ambition of fellow delegates that makes a difference which is truly inspiring. I really enjoyed my time on this course and would definitely recommend.”
Bayer is currently planning with STAR and Talking Royals to offer a further MHFA training session next Spring to reach more fans of the club.
