In a bid to tackle mental health stigma,
3 UK and
3 Ireland launched the #TalkMoreThanFootball campaign in April. Teaming up with former Republic of Ireland and Chelsea footballer, Andy Townsend, the initiative encourages fans to open up beyond the pitch. During the campaign launch in Dublin, Townsend announced two more years of
3 Ireland’s partnership with Aware.
According to recent research on football fans by
3 in the UK, over two-thirds have struggled with their mental health, whilst one in three has never spoken to anyone about it. In Ireland, 56% of football fans have experienced a mental health disorder, whilst 26% have never spoken to their family or close friends about their experiences.
To help tackle the cause, Hollywood tough guy Vinnie Jones delivered a team talk in partnership with Chelsea FC, Aware in Ireland and Samaritans in the UK to further the push for open dialogue on mental health.