The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation (YCF) – the official charity and community arm of Yorkshire County Cricket Club – is encouraging members of the community to sign up for free online mental health courses in 2022.
The call to action is to highlight ‘Blue Monday’ – the name given to the third Monday in January, which this year falls today, 17thJanuary, and has been coined as the most depressing day of the year.
However YCF are turning the ‘blue’ day into a positive and encouraging people to sign up for the charity organisation’s #Howstha? campaign.
The campaign, originally launched last year, is centred around a series of online mental health courses aimed at individuals wishing to develop their knowledge in counselling, suicide awareness and awareness of mental health problems.
Beth Cook, Health and Wellbeing Manager for YCF, said: “Mental health conditions do not discriminate, which is why we feel these courses are the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to increase their own understanding of common mental health issues, as well as enhancing their own community through the knowledge gained.
“We want to work with as many cricket clubs, community groups and individuals who are keen to increase people’s understanding of ‘mental health’ and break down the stigma associated with this.”
The courses, which are run in partnership with The Skills Network, are available to study for free for individuals who are over the age of 19 and not currently in education.
Courses include:
•Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems
• Level 2 Certificate in Self-harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention
• Level 2 Certificate In Counselling Skills
Upon course completion, learners will gain a nationally recognised qualification which is equivalent to GCSE level.
To find out more about the #Howstha campaign please click here.
The vital campaign is just one of the initiatives Yorkshire Cricket is showcasing this month to highlight and support mental health.
Across the Club they have backed the Samaritans ‘Brew Monday’ campaign today – aiming to stop the myths about ‘Blue Monday’ – and encouraging people across the organisation and take time out for a cuppa and a chat with the campaign also encouraging people to reach out and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
While later this month Yorkshire County Cricket Club will be hosting free mental health workshops from the organisation Opening Up Cricket or all first team players and Yorkshire Cricket College students.
Opening Up Cricket was formed in 2014 in response to the death of Sefton Park CC wicket keeper Alex Miller and a will to promote a positive mental health in the sport.
