Ahead of World Mental Health Day last week, AFC Bournemouth's Community Sports Trust welcomed pupils from three local secondary schools to Vitality Stadium for a mental health themed workshop.
Students from Iford Academy, Oak Academy and Longspee School took part in an afternoon session which included a workshop, stadium tour and an appearance from a Premier League player.
During their workshop, the students discussed what mental health is and what it means to them, as well as learning about Premier League initiatives supporting mental health, including Inside Matters and Heads Up.
Throughout the workshop, the pupils worked in groups on two questions; what causes stress in your daily life, and the methods used to maintain positive mental health.
Each of the school groups were also taken for an exclusive look around Vitality Stadium, seeing the home and away dressing rooms, as well as heading out pitchside.
Community Sports Trust partners J.P. Morgan also supported the event, with Nick Baverstock, demonstrating a deeper insight to the mind and pulling off a very clever magic trick.
The session ended with a visit from AFC Bournemouth personnel Marcus Tavernier and Steve Fletcher. The duo were on hand to answer the young people’s questions and provide further insight into mental health in sport, and what is available to support the players.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk after the event, head of community Steve Cuss said: “The workshop raising awareness of World Mental Health Day was a great success, the schools attending were very open and knowledgeable about the topic.”
“The highlight was being able to meet and ask questions to Marcus Tavernier and Steve Fletcher, who we are grateful to for their support with the important subject of mental health.”
