Brentford FC’s psychologist ran a wellbeing workshop at Griffin Park for young people ahead of World Mental Health Day on Thursday.
The workshop aimed to provide support for young carers from the club’s Young Carers Project while simultaneously raising awareness of the stress and anxiety many young carers face.
Psychologist Michael Caulfield delivered his first ever wellbeing workshop to carers last week culminating in a “Walk and Talk” around Griffin Park, providing the young carers with techniques to manage stress.
Bees attacker Sergi Canos attended the event and was also on hand to offer his own wisdom in how he manages stress.
“From being at this workshop today, I had no idea the difficulties young carers faced looking after a family member,” Canos said.
“Using my platform as a professional footballer, I hope I have given young carers a voice and reminded them they are not alone and we are here to help them.”
The Young Carers Project offers vital respite to young people who are looking after a family member in a caring capacity, and with the EFL committed to raising awareness of mental health through its official charity partner Mind, Brentford FC are leading the way in raising awareness of mental health both on and off the football pitch.
Eleven-year-old Jessica McDonald, a young carer for her brother, credits the project with helping her talk more openly.
“I have started to talk more to my family about things and I think my confidence has improved,” she said.
“It is good to meet people who are going through the same experience as you and understand what it’s like to look after someone with an illness or additional needs.”
Brentford’s Young Carers Project was commissioned by Ealing Council and Hounslow Council and is aimed at offering young people the opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence on a weekly basis.
“Whether as family or friends, teachers or healthcare professionals, we all have a role to play in supporting young people through challenging times,” Councillor Yvonne Johnson said.
“The council is proud to be running a mental health first aid programme in our schools to help staff identify and support children struggling with their mental health.
“Everyone needs help sometimes and we should all feel comfortable asking for it – especially young people.
“Having sports professionals from the football club to reiterate this message in an accessible way to young people is so important in letting them know they are not alone.”
For more information about the Trust’s community projects visit www.brentfordfccst.com
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