Youth mental health project wins Newcastle United Foundation’s Premier League Inspires Challenge
A project created by secondary school students aimed at breaking down stigmas and challenging misinformation about youth mental health has won Newcastle United Foundation’s Premier League Inspires Challenge.
Dozens of students joined this season’s Premier League Inspires Challenge which sees groups of young people create a social action project designed to make a difference to the world around them.
Working together with Newcastle United Foundation, groups from four North East secondary schools were invited to St. James’ Park to discuss and present their social action projects to other students and a panel of judges.
Group one from Emmanuel College, Gateshead, produced the winning project titled Break the Silence, with judges recognising the group’s initiative to introduce innovative ways of busting myths surrounding mental health which young people may be exposed to on social media.
One student from Emmanuel College said: “The Premier League Inspires Challenge has been really good – it’s been really good to reflect on people’s mental health.
“Our project raises awareness for young people to reduce stress stigma and to encourage people to talk openly about their feelings so everyone can feel supported.
“Your mental wellbeing and your physical wellbeing are an important part of growing up. It’s better if people can talk about their feelings and we’re trying to campaign about self-awareness – trying to get people to talk about their problems and issues and feelings.”
The group will now represent Newcastle United Foundation at a national Premier League Inspires Challenge Celebration Event hosted at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in April, presenting their project to peers from 54 clubs from across the Premier League and EFL, subject experts and inspirational role models.
Students who designed Break the Silence aim to introduce peer-to-peer mental wellbeing education sessions which can be delivered in-person or recorded as part of the school’s weekly review. Their project also targets misinformation shared online about metal health and instead encourages young people to talk about how they feel rather than labelling others.
Gavin Ferry, Senior Learning and Skills Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “The Premier League Inspires Challenge is a unique opportunity for young people to explore social action opportunities important to them which encourages debate and conversation about how to approach issues affecting them or their peers.
“This year’s challenge focuses on raising awareness about young people’s wellbeing and each group has come up with some great ideas of how they could introduce healthy habits into their school day which support young people to feel better.
“We’re proud of all participants taking on the Premier League Inspires Challenge this year and are excited for our young people to share their ideas at the Premier League Inspires Challenge Celebration Event.”
Premier League Inspires is a personal development programme, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation.
The programme uses the power of football to inspire young people aged 11-to-18 to develop the personal skills and positive attitudes needed to succeed in life.
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