THE trades that make up the construction sector are set to go head-to-head this weekend at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium in a charity football tournament.
Organised by IronmongeryDirect, the Match for the Mind tournament is raising money for mental health charity Mind, and comes after the findings by the company revealed that 82% of tradespeople experience some form of mental health problem due to work.
A total of 50 tradespeople from across the country are taking part in the 7-aside tournament this Saturday, with each being organised into squads based on their trades – builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and joiners, and roofers and scaffolders.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is movement, with it hoped that the football tournament highlights the benefits exercise has on mental health. Players have already started fundraising, with almost £3,000 being donated to Mind via the Just Giving page, on top of the £13,000 IronmongeryDirect has pledged in recent years.
As well as the 7-a-side matches, there will be further fundraising activities on the day – including a penalty shootout and crossbar challenge, with IronmongeryDirect donating extra money to charity for each successful attempt.
One tradesman taking part in the tournament is Jay Mccrindle. The 29-year-old plumber has shared his mental health experiences ahead of taking to the Stamford Bridge pitch this Saturday.
Jay said, “My father died by suicide at the age of 14. I have always been plagued with mental health issues. I have been confused and unsure since losing my father. However, with the guidance of Mind and my family, I have now accepted what happened. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to combine my two passions of mental health awareness and Chelsea by playing in Match for the Mind.”
A representative from Basildon Mind will be attending the tournament to share mental health advice with both the players and spectators.
Andrew Berrie, head of corporate partnerships at Mind, added, “We are so grateful to IronmongeryDirect for choosing to fundraise for Mind and helping us highlight how exercise can benefit our mental health.
“Exercise has long been proved to have a positive effect on the mental health of millions. We want to help more people make moves for their mental health as this can help to manage stress and improve your sleep, mood and confidence.
“We’re in the middle of a mental health crisis, with over two million people waiting for NHS mental health services. Now more than ever it is vital that everyone has access to the right support, advice and information when they need it.
“The money raised by IronmongeryDirect will help Mind raise both awareness and vital funds so that we can move closer to a future where no mind is left behind.”
Ellis Osborn, e-commerce manager at IronmongeryDirect, commented, “We’re delighted to offer tradespeople the exciting opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge, and get the full Premier League experience!
“It should be a really fun event and hopefully a great day for all involved, but it’s important to remember the reasons behind the campaign, and emphasise how much exercise can benefit mental health.
“Mental health problems are unfortunately prevalent across the industry, and that’s why we’re continuing to raise awareness, and encourage tradespeople to seek support if needed.”
