Some say that defending is an art but Matthew Upson got a taste of the real thing when he took a trip to an Essex-based group as part of the Barclays Premier League's Creating Chances community initiative.
The England defender paid a visit to the Braintree Rethink Carers Support Group, as part of the club's ongoing involvement in the Places for Players programme. The charity offers support, guidance and a voice to those suffering from mental illness and also, crucially, to those people around them whose lives are affected too.
Upson met and spoke with volunteers, carers and representatives of the organisation as well as those from the mental health trust. He also viewed the Creative Minds art exhibition which featured works of art created by those who have suffered mental health problems.
