Man United Partner With Publisher Dk For Childen’s Mental Health

The Manchester United Foundation has partnered with non-fiction publisher DK as part of a range of activities to mark Mental Health Week.  

A week-long promotion about ‘all-things wellbeing’ will be supported by club captains, Harry Maguire and Katie Zelem, and will see the Foundation distribute books, balls and resources to children across Greater Manchester, encouraging them to look after their mental health. 

The partnership with DK will see the publisher donate some 5,000 copies of a new book to those living in deprived areas of the city, and will aim to encourage children to talk about their mental health.

Aimed at children aged 8-12 years, the 48-page book, ‘United Minds: Be positive. Be curious. Be united’, features Manchester United-themed activities, advice and self-care tips to ‘inspire and engage children in looking after their overall wellbeing’. 

“We know that giving children access to books about things they love, such as football, is crucial to self-belief, wellbeing and having fun,” Publisher, DK.

“DK is thrilled to be able to contribute to the incredible work of Manchester United Foundation.”

To accompany the book is a small football that features wellbeing phrases, which will be distributed alongside resources put together by Foundation coaches which will support discussions around mental health and what it means to look after their mental wellbeing. 

TV presenter Ginny Buckley, one of the founding Trustees of Manchester United Foundation, said: “At the Foundation we know that healthy bodies and healthy minds go hand-in-hand and as a journalist I am passionate about the power of the written word. A book can transport you anywhere and if you are in a difficult place that could be a lifesaver.”

“As a parent I’ve seen first-hand how a football and a good book have helped my 11-year-old son cope with the mental challenges he’s faced during the pandemic, I hope our ‘book and ball’ project will do the same for the children who receive it.”

All partner schools and community projects will receive a bundle of assets, which share information and guidance on the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ as well as contact information for services if they’re struggling. Supported by local charity Manchester Mind – with whom the Foundation has been working throughout the pandemic – the information will also be relayed across the Foundation’s online channels to ensure young people have access to the information to better support their mental and physical wellbeing.