EFL Extends Partnership With Mental Health Charity Mind

The EFL and mental health charity Mind have announced the extension of their ‘On Your Side’ partnership.

The extension will see Mind continue as the EFL’s Official Charity Partner until at least the end of the 2021/22 season.

The collaboration between the pair began in 2018 and aimed to increase the visibility and awareness of mental health as well as raising money for support programmes across the country. As part of the launch, the EFL and Mind created the ‘On Your Side’ identity as well as incorporating the charity’s logo into the player name lettering on the back of every EFL shirt.

“The EFL is extremely proud of the charity partnership with Mind and we’re delighted to be able to announce a two-year extension,” said Rick Parry, Chairman, EFL.

“Since the ‘On Your Side partnership began ahead of the 2018/19 season, we have worked closely with Mind and EFL Clubs to improve the approach to mental health in football and wider society, raising awareness and vital funds for the charity. Many players, managers, club staff and fans have also shared their personal stories to further encourage conversation around mental health.

“While important and positive steps have been made through the partnership, there is still work to be done to improve mental health within football and we look forward to working with Mind over the next two seasons as we continue to tackle one of society’s biggest issues.”

The league and its individual clubs have worked with Mind on a number of campaigns involving players, staff and fans to highlight the importance of discussing our mental health, including the Kings Cross World Mental Health Day activation in 2018 and the ‘Goals Worth Talking About’ campaign in 2019. 

Nine EFL clubs have also been involved with Mind’s ‘Get Set to Go’ programme, which aims to support people with mental health problems to become physically active. That programme has also been continued with the extension of the deal.

Paul Farmer, CEO, Mind, said: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with the EFL for a further two seasons. Working with the EFL and its 71 clubs over the past two seasons has given us a brilliant opportunity to bring about real change, not only at community and club level, but also nationally. 

“We look to continue this vital work in the seasons ahead with ambitious plans to reach more people who feel they have nowhere to turn and to ensure that whoever a fan supports, our partnership with the EFL means Mind is here to support them.”