Now an established date in the sporting calendar, Weeks of Action were established in 2005 to help highlight the positive initiatives undertaken by March, is all about leading and inspiring change. We are celebrating the ‘Game Changers’ who make a difference to the enjoyment and experience of disabled sports fans.th to 19th clubs, sporting venues and their governing bodies in partnership with disabled sports fans and disabled supporter’s associations (DSAs). This year’s Weeks of Action from 4
To support this our Newport County AFC & the DSA wish to highlight the work of the Community Team lead by Norman Parselle with regards to Mental Health; there are two programmes currently running, Walking Football on a Monday evening and We Wear the Same Shirt” sessions funded by the FAW on a Thursday. Both sessions have grown over time and are well attended weekly with both programmes also taking part in tournaments and friendly games.
”The programme has progressed so much that a young man with mental health issues who wouldn't speak to anyone in July called his team together and gave us all a pre-match team talk, not a big deal in a lot of people’s lives but in this young man's life and the progress he has made is testament to the community teams hard work, most rewarding football I’ve ever been involved in.Change 4 Life lists physical activity as the leading way to reduce risk of dementia along with being socially and mentally active; Monday nights sessions tick all three boxes as the group enjoy the banter of the game as well as the physical aspect. Thursday’s group is targeted at a different demographic although there is a crossover of participants. This group is made up of those who see themselves with having mental health issues whether it be diagnosed or keeping their mental health wellbeing at a level. A number of individuals have grown in their time as noticed by Martin Perry, who attends nearly every week as a volunteer recently observed “
The FAW Trust video about the "We Wear the Same Shirt" campaign in Newportwill be played before the game and during the interval of our fixture on Saturday vs Leyton Orient. Additionally, a statement from the players’ (in collaboration with the DSA) has beenfilmedand will play on the big screen encouraging people to talk about their issues and feelings and trying to remove the taboo of Mental Health, this video will remain on the club website for the foreseeable future and include details on contacting appropriate services for support.
). watch hereAt the entrance to the Bisley Stand we will have information points from both Time to Change Wales and Alzheimer’s Newport for anyone wishing to discuss any aspects of these two areas, please feel free to discuss what you feel comfortable even if it’s information for future use. The banner displaying support for the Weeks of Action will be displayed by ballboys as the players line up for their handshake as the final display of the club and DSA's support of the two week campaign. The players have got involved too taking part in a video to raise awareness for Mental Health (
thThe club and DSA will be regularly promoting the Weeks of Action on social media using the #GameChangers throughout the period as well as attending the second annual Welsh DSA Forum in Wrexham on March 15
www.levelplayingfield.org.uk/weeks-action-2017For any further information on LPF’s Weeks of Action 2017 please go to
If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in the article, please visit the Welsh Mental Health Helplines: http://www.wamhinpc.org.uk/mental-health-helplines-links-services-wales