We are thrilled to be partnering with Harrogate Town AFC next season in supporting the mental health of our local community.
The League Two club, who have just finished the most successful season in their history, hosted Wellspring, at one of their popular Pitch Positive sessions designed to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing. Our interim chief executive Nick Garrett and colleague Robert Beaumont were able to share about the work of Wellspring.
Lee McArthur, Activity Leader of Harrogate Town’s Community Foundation and one of the organisers of Pitch Positive, paid tribute to Wellspring’s involvement, saying: “The insights shared by Nick were incredibly impactful for our participants. His candidness and honesty resonated deeply, creating an environment where attendees felt comfortable and empowered to engage in meaningful discussions about mental health, while information about the services offered at Wellspring were instrumental in guiding these conversations.
“Witnessing the genuine interest shown by our participants in understanding how they can support themselves and others dealing with mental illness was truly heartening. It speaks volumes about the importance of initiatives like yours and the significant impact they have on fostering empathy and support within our community.
“The session proved to be a rich learning experience for everyone involved. Participants actively shared their personal experiences and strategies for coping during challenging times, fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding.
“Thank you to Wellspring for your time, expertise, and dedication to supporting those navigating mental health challenges. Your presence truly made a difference and we are immensely grateful for the partnership between Pitch Positive and Wellspring.”
Nick Garrett responded: “On behalf of all the team at Wellspring Therapy & Training I’d like to thank Harrogate Town Football Club for inviting us to take part in Pitch Positive. I’m very relieved I didn’t have to play in the five aside match as my total lack of finesse would have shown up instantly!
“Talking and listening to the players afterwards was a good learning experience for me, people really understood what Wellspring do and the immense benefits we bring to adults, children and families.
“It was especially heartening to hear the support from dads for the work we do in schools. Football is a great leveller, you can be from any trade, profession or none and you’re all equal on the pitch so it was brilliant to have the chance to listen to peoples’ views on mental health and the services we provide.
“I’d urge football lovers in Harrogate to support their local team not least because match days are exciting, safe and friendly but also because of the incredible work the club does for so many people in the town.”
Both Harrogate Town and Wellspring are now looking to strengthen this partnership next season, working together to improve mental health across the community.
