Everton have won nationwide renown for their community outreach work through Everton in the Community (EitC), and one of the foremost supporters of the initiatives is the long-time servant of the club Leighton Baines.

Founded by editor and Mental Health First Aid instructor Phil Bridges, The Mind Map normalise mental health through their online magazine content, exhibitions and events and help young people navigate towards mental health services. They also provide workshops for young people and are working with Liverpool John Moores University to research the mental health support currently available for UK students.

Over the years Baines has done a lot of charity work but one cause that is very close to his heart has always been mental health. Recently, he spoke at an event in Liverpool hosted by The Mind Map about mental health in football as part of the support work being done by the collective. Baines was joined at the event by celebrity chef and restaurateur Simon Rimmer and local band Blossoms.

Of Baines’ involvement, Bridges said -

“I have spent the past year developing our social enterprise The Mind Map with clinical input from NHS Liverpool CCG and Mersey Care. Our in-conversation with Leighton Baines is typical of the work we deliver - working with popular artistic and sporting talent to further vital discussions around mental health.”

The Mind Map has three main aims – to normalise mental health, to signpost towards services and to provide Mental Health First Aid training.

You can support The Mind Map to train teachers in Youth Mental Health First Aid via their Crowdfunder.

Also go check out The Mind Map online magazine for interviews, information and support.

Mental Health problems affect millions of us each year, and many of us don’t know where to turn when it strikes. For too long mental health issues have been hidden and stigmatized, but we have an opportunity to change that, starting here and now.

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