As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting mental health and well-being, West Ham United is proud to join the global community in marking World Mental Health Day.
Celebrated on 10 October each year, World Mental Health Day provides an important opportunity to shine a light on the importance of education, awareness and support.
As a Club, we have a breadth of initiatives that encourage open conversations around mental health, provide valuable resources, and offer practical strategies to support those who need it.
With the theme this year as ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’ and our People Team vital to every aspect of what we do, we have a range of ways in which we promote mental health.
Alongside an Employee Assistance Programme and other schemes, the Club has an established network of Workplace Mental Health Ambassadors who encourage peer support.
To highlight the importance of this group of colleagues, one representative, Paula Jones from the Foundation’s Administrative Team, took to the pitch on Saturday 5 October as part of a West Ham United Foundation Guard of Honour.
Paula shared her passion for being an Ambassador, explaining: “I have encountered colleagues and friends who have struggled with mental health issues, and I have witnessed the stigma often surrounding health and wellbeing. I am proud to support any of my colleagues in my role as a Mental Health Ambassador and I've seen first-hand the difference these roles make.”
The Players’ Project
The Players’ Project has been instrumental in raising awareness about mental health across all aspects of the club. Men’s, Women’s and Academy players have been actively involved in advocating for causes they are passionate about, with mental health as a key focus.
This year, during the Foundation’s awareness fixture – last Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Ipswich Town - fans were able to interact with display boards around the stadium, showcasing quotes from their favourite players and the variety of partnerships and initiatives offered by the Foundation that have clear mental health benefits.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day several first team players shared their personal strategies for maintaining positive mental well-being, giving fans a glimpse into how they cope with the stresses of their professional and personal lives.
Club captain Jarrod Bowen shared his approach to managing stress, focusing on the importance of family and downtime with friends.
“I help my mental health by spending time with my family, my children, and then when they are in bed, playing on the PlayStation with my friends,” he explained.
Kristie Mewis recognised the role of self-care and solitude, explaining how time alone helps her reset.
She shared: “I help my mental health by spending time alone, whether it's going out to a meal by myself, going for a walk, or just kind of shutting off and spending time alone really helps me kind of reset.”
Vladimír Coufal, who was recently voted the best to wear the No5 shirt since 1993/1994, also shared his views on the importance of connecting with nature and loved ones.
“I help my mental health by being with family, being with friends, playing football, being in nature and being myself,” the defender said.
By sharing their experiences, the players aimed to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to prioritise their well-being.
Engaging our Community: The ‘Wall of Iron’
One of the most meaningful elements of our World Mental Health Day activities has been our Wall of Iron, capturing the work of the Club’s Official Charity, West Ham United Foundation, and supported by their Corporate Patron Paragon.
Located near the Bell Tower, an interactive space was created where fans could share messages of hope, encouragement, and personal mental health tips.
Former Hammer Anton Ferdinand continued a week-long worth of community activities by joining fans and showing his support for a cause that means a lot to him.
“I’ve been through my own mental health issues and one thing that helped me was talking,” he said to fans.
“They say 'a problem shared is a problem halved' and it's true. I always feel so much better when I share how I’m feeling, whether it be bad or good, and the person listening might be able to help or point to someone who can.
“There is no shame. We all have thoughts and feelings. So, let's try and become even better at taking care of our mental health and let’s keep talking about it”.
Fans from all walks of life stopped to take part and talk with Anton, openly sharing the ways in which they have overcome issues and found boosts for their mental health. Heartfelt messages consisted of the power of counselling and talking to trusted adults whether it’s a mentor, teacher, friend or family member. Plus, there was a focus on exercise and attending events like netball and West Ham fixtures.
Capturing the essence of the activity, one fan concluded: “We all have mental health but there is so much we can do to help it and so I think it’s great the Club are shining a light on this as it might help someone to understand more about it and maybe get a bit more exercise, chat and interact with someone or just even go outdoors.
“I see how much they do in the community and with the players supporting things like mental health. I am proud this is my Club.”
We focus on Mental Health. Do you? Let’s get talking.
