Bantams Raising Mental Health Awareness With Bradford District and Craven Mind Partnership

Bradford City A.F.C. has announced a new three-year partnership with local mental health charity Bradford District and Craven Mind (BDC Mind), aiming to raise awareness of mental health and encourage conversations around mental wellbeing across the community.

The partnership has been announced to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, a UK-wide initiative dedicated to breaking down stigma and encouraging individuals to prioritise mental health for themselves and others.

Over the next three years, Bradford City and BDC Mind will collaborate closely to:

• Increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
• Promote available local support services for mental wellbeing.
• Deliver joint events and activities across Bradford district and Craven, emphasising the charity’s mission to ensure nobody has to face mental health challenges alone.

Helen Davey, CEO of BDC Mind, said:

“We are thrilled to be working with Bradford City AFC and this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme of ‘community’ provides the ideal platform to launch this exciting partnership.”

“Mental health is something that we can all talk about more openly and not be ashamed but we know there is still a long way to go. We know that across our region not enough men or people from ethnically and culturally diverse communities seek help when they are struggling. We also know that children are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression and trauma than ever before.”

“This partnership will help more people understand that we are here for them, when and where they need us to be and that’s it’s okay to reach out for help.”

In 2024/25, BDC Mind provided essential mental health support to over 18,500 people across Bradford district and Craven, thanks largely to donations, sponsorships, and partnerships.

City’s Chief Commercial Officer, Davide Longo, commented:

“BDC Mind want to make an even bigger impact in the district and we are delighted to help them do that with their Workplace Wellbeing Movement.”

Paula Watson, Director of Operations, Inclusion Lead, and Senior Safeguarding Officer at Bradford City, added:

“This is an incredibly important relationship as we enhance our commitment to our Responsible Bantams initiative and ensuring our people feel supported.”

Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, BDC Mind will provide guidance, share inspiring community stories, and encourage individuals facing difficulties to seek support.

For more information on BDC Mind and the free mental health services they offer, visit mindinbradford.org.uk.