Josh Banyard named Community Captain as Premier League marks 30th anniversary

Josh Banyard has been named Newcastle United Foundation’s Community Captain in recognition of his work supporting Newcastle United Foundation’s Be A Game Changer campaign.

Presentations to the Captains, including Josh, form part of the Premier League Trophy Tour, which is visiting more than 50 professional, non-league and women’s clubs across England and Wales who receive funding from the Premier League.

The accolade was presented to Josh just weeks after he completed a mammoth walk from Wembley Stadium to St. James’s Park in just five days to raise awareness for the Be A Game Changer campaign, which aims to get more men talking about their mental health.

On receiving the award, Josh said: “Newcastle United Foundation are doing some amazing work tackling stigmas which still exist around mental health and I am proud to play my part in it.

“The Foundation helped rescue me from a dark place. To find a group of like-minded people through the campaign has been amazing and it has helped me completely transform my outlook on life.”

After admitting he needed to seek help, Josh began his journey to better mental health through the Foundation's Be A Game Changer campaign. Two years on, Josh fundraises for the campaign he credits with saving his life and advocates for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health to start lifesaving conversations.

Josh was presented with the Community Captain Award by former Newcastle United striker and Newcastle United Foundation Trustee, Shola Ameobi.

Ameobi said: “Josh’s story is truly inspiring and it has been a pleasure to present him with the Community Captain award.

“Mental health is a difficult subject for a lot of us and it takes a very brave person to reach out to someone else and talk about their feelings.

“That’s why people like Josh, and campaigns like Be A Game Changer, are so important to break down existing barriers that exist around mental health and encourage people to speak out if they are struggling.”

Josh added: “I’m so delighted to receive this award. I’m hoping it helps shine a light on the work that is ongoing with the campaign and even if it can help just one person, helping to change that one person’s life makes it all worthwhile.”

The campaign is supported with Premier League funding and reaches out to men aged between 18 and 44 in a bid to get more men to talk about their wellbeing as well as operating a peer support system on their Facebook page, where people can message for a conversation and support from one of their peers.

Steve Beharall, Head of Newcastle United Foundation, said: “People like Josh are at the heart of our Foundation and the reason why we do what we do.

“I am incredibly proud of him, as well as our teams, who continue to demonstrate an incredible commitment to get men talking about their mental health and, ultimately, save lives.

“Without the valuable support of the Premier League, we simply would not be able to run these vital programs. It’s an honour to be sharing in the very special 30th anniversary of the Premier League, which has provided so many lifechanging opportunities for countless communities not only in the North East but across the country.”

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