With the nation back in lockdown due to rising cases of Covid-19, some of our supporters continue to feel isolated due to restrictions on household mixing or having to shield if they are particularly vulnerable.
This lack of interaction during the continuing pandemic has led to an increase in mental health issues such as anxiety. There is growing evidence of these issues developing into depression (usually with other factors included).
Newport County AFC would like to remind supporters of the work the club and the wider community is doing to help.
Every Wednesday, we work with charity My Discombobulated Brain to share a weekly calendar containing tips for keeping positive during these uncertain times. Today’s is below (and available on our social media channels):
The NHS has shared some mental health apps that are available to download on mobile devices. Some are free of charge and cover topics such as breathing exercises for panic attacks, managing self-harm, improving wellbeing and getting a better night’s sleep. Click here to access them online.
We can all play a part in keeping our spirits up while being physically isolated from family and friends. There are plenty of methods to ensure we can stay in touch through modern apps to the good old-fashioned landline telephone.
Since the start of the pandemic, the club have been introducing other initiatives to encourage socialisation and interaction with those outside our four walls. These include:
- Zoom calls where club representatives can check in on supporters and have a chat, provide moral support and find out if there other ways we can help;
- Video messages are another option for those who are too shy to engage directly;
- Matchday ‘watchalongs’ for our season ticket holders. We recognise football is a social sport and, while we cannot have supporters at Rodney Parade, we can provide some of that social aspect by bringing supporters together virtually to enjoy the game;
- Exiles Matchday Live is our Facebook show before and after home matches. It features player interviews, highlights of previous matches, pre-match predictions, a review of the match so far at half-time, and post-match interviews.
If you or anyone you know would benefit from any of the above, or if you have other ideas of how we can provide support, please contact the club on office@newport-county.co.uk with the person’s name and contact details.
In these difficult times, we need to look after each other and our community. If you feel you can lend a listening ear please use the #ExilesHereToListen hashtag on your social media to let others know you are there for them, whether a County supporter or not.
Until we can all watch football together again, let’s ensure we look out for each other, be kind and then we will appreciate each other and the sport we love even more.
Helpful Resources
While we can all listen to each other we cannot provide professional help. Here are some services available to signpost our friends and family to:
Samaritans Newport; Text 116 123 at anytime
Newport Mind; 01633 258741
Hafal; 01633 264763
CALM - 0800 58 58 58
Young Minds - 0800 018 2138
SANE - 0300 304 7000
No Panic - 0844 967 4848
Alternatively, you can call Gwent Primary Care Mental Health Support Services on 0330 053 5596 for help from our local NHS Provider.
If you have urgent concerns for someone’s life please refer to NHS Website or call the emergency services on 999 if there is an imminent threat to life.