THE city’s football club is aiming to promote mental health awareness amongst fans after teaming up with a charity.

Portsmouth Football Club and Havant and East Hampshire Mind have joined together to promote the support service to those who may be less likely to seek help and raise money for the charity.

It comes as part of Mind’s national campaign with the English Football League.

Chief executive of Mind, Paul Farmer said: ‘Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. That could be one person in every family, hundreds of football plays and many thousands of football fans.

Portsmouth FC players Tom Naylor, John Marquis and Keeper Alex Bass | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — Portsmouth FC players Tom Naylor, John Marquis and Keeper Alex Bass | Other 3rd Party

‘Our research suggests that while football fans, particularly men, are comfortable showing their emotions at football matches, many feel unable to reach out for support when they need it.

‘We are proud to be working with all 72 clubs in EFL to be real game-changers in the way football tackles mental health.

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‘We hope that events with Portsmouth Football Club will reach out to fans and let them know that whoever you support, Mind supports you.’

A charity match day held two weeks ago saw information about mental health and Mind throughout the ground and in the match day programme alongside an awareness-raising video played on the big screen.

Former Portsmouth keeper, Alan Knight MBE, lent his voice to the campaign in a video recorded for the event.

He spoke of his struggles with mental health following the end of his football career, only seeking help once he ‘hit rock bottom’.

Alan, known as Legend, said: ‘I didn’t think people would understand, or understand where I was coming from, I thought I was the only one having these problems.

‘But there are so many people that are, and shouldn’t be ashamed.. [they] should seek and get help, cause it is there.’

From the current team Tom Naylor, John Marquis and keeper Alex Bass were amongst those taking a part and were photographed wearing Mind T-shirts and training in them prior to the match.

Havant and East Hampshire Mind has provided support for people struggling with mental health, ranging from practical courses to counselling, since 1996.

For more information or support visit easthantsmind.org/