As a club that prides itself on being the heartbeat of the local community, we are well-aware of the responsibility we have to be there for our supporters year-round.
With lockdown measures over the last 12 months dramatically transforming the way in which we have lived and interacted with one another, it has understandably brought about new challenges for us all – many of which have impacted our mental health.
Clubs have continued to work tirelessly in an attempt to engage and support fans from afar, despite contact on matchdays and the delivery of a number of community initiatives being put on hold.
However, the need to look out for our fans, especially in the current climate is greater than ever.
Working closely with the EFL, Rotherham United are supporting the ‘Team Talk’ project which will see each of the 72 clubs put on a session surrounding mental health and its importance. This is an open invite to our fans, no matter how big or small you feel your issues may be, we want to support you.
As he has done so often, first team boss Paul Warne has volunteered his services to take part in hosting the session alongside soon-to-return midfielder Kieran Sadlier. The pair will join a member of community staff trained in supporting with such issues on Thursday 28th January 2021.
The session will be held ‘virtually’ on video chat platform Zoom with supporters wishing to attend needing to contact health@rotherhamunited.net to access the details.
The ‘Team Talk’ will get under way at 5pm and will offer supporters a safe place in which they can come to keep connected and enjoy some social interaction during these tough times.
The Millers have launched the Team Talk scheme as part of the EFL’s campaign in conjunction with their charity partners at Mind.
BBC Radio Sheffield’s ‘Time to Talk’
As a signal of our continued commitment to keeping the conversation going around mental health, Paul Warne will also be joining BBC Radio Sheffield’s Football Heaven special on Thursday 4th February.
Our colleagues at Radio Sheffield have hosted similar shows before in their ‘Time to Talk’ series, with personalities from the local sports scene invited on to share their experiences with the aim of keeping the importance of taking care of your mental health, at the forefront of our minds.
Don't suffer in silence:
Mind, Rotherham | 01709 919929
Samaritans | 116 123
Age UK, Rotherham | 01709 835214