Farming and football - a campaign to improve mental health in rural Wales
The FAW and FUW will launch their campaign at the Royal Welsh Show.
The Football Association of Wales is working with the Farmers Union of Wales to look at how they can come together to help to combat mental health issues within the farming community.
Former Wales international Laura McAllister will announce the collaboration this afternoon at the Royal Welsh Show.
The campaign will look at how football clubs can be used in local communities to house and support mental health services and get people talking through sport.
Speaking ahead of the event, FUW Senior County Executive Officer Emyr Wyn Davies said: “Mental health continues to be an issue for farmers and those living in rural communities.
Whilst we have seen some progress over recent years in breaking down the stigma attached to poor mental health, much work remains to be done.
“This seminar will provide an excellent opportunity to see how we can bridge the gap between young men living in rural areas and those who are involved with agriculture and their local football clubs so that we help those in need faster and better.”
Noel Mooney, CEO of the Football Association of Wales, said: “I am very much looking forward to this very important discussion with the FUW and the DPJ Foundation at the Royal Welsh show around how we can work together to tackle mental health challenges.
“The Football Association of Wales is committed to doing what we can to harness the power of football for the benefit of communities across Cymru.
People in communities across the nation are struggling with their mental health and we know that people in rural communities are facing particular challenges.
Football clubs sit at the heart of many of these communities and we are working with partners to realise their potential for being hubs where people can access the support they need to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Kate Miles, DPJ Foundation Charity Manager said: “I am grateful to both the FUW and FAW for providing this opportunity to focus on mental health and wellbeing in rural communities. We know that for many, football provides a chance to get off the farm and to engage with other people around a shared interest.
“We hope this discussion will allow us all to further explore the link between football and wellbeing and how we can increase our opportunities for supporting the farming community by equipping football clubs with the skills to go further in championing mental health and wellbeing, looking out for their members and being "Together Stronger".”