Sleeves for Mental Health

The Terrace have once again partnered with the Pilgrims ahead of their Emirates FA Cup fourth-round clash this weekend – except, on this occasion, it will not be their brand adorning the Greens’ kit at Sheffield United.

Having seen their logo carried on the Greens’ shirt sleeves for the third-round victory at Huddersfield Town, the sports culture retailer has very generously opted to donate their sleeve space to local social enterprise Livewell Southwest, which provides award-winning integrated health and social care services to people across Plymouth and parts of Devon.

As a result, the sleeve, visible to the nation on BBC digital platforms this weekend, will carry the important message “It’s okay to not be okay”, alongside Livewell Southwest’s 24/7 crisis support telephone number.

The Terrace have become a household brand in connecting supporters up and down the country with their club’s heritage and history, and their very successful collection of Argyle products have proven popular with the Green Army.

Like Argyle, the Oxford-based company is committed to raising mental health awareness through public messaging campaigns and support for local charities. Having experienced such a positive response from Argyle fans after the third-round win at Huddersfield, The Terrace Director Carl Sewell felt it was important to give something back in such challenging times.

He said: “We had a lot of fun in the third round, with a victory to add to that, spirits are high, and it was a no brainer for us as a brand to continue that support and sponsor the club once more for the fourth round.

“However, upon reflection, we felt as a brand there were some things more important right now than us showing off our logo on a sleeve again, so it is with great pleasure that we can hand the limelight to an organisation who are doing remarkable things for mental health in Plymouth.

“By shining the spotlight on Livewell Southwest, we can hopefully help raise awareness to any Argyle fans struggling, and remind them that it really is okay to not be okay and there is an organisation waiting to help."

Livewell Southwest provides mental health services in Plymouth for children, young people and adults, including mental health inpatient units, specialist services, and 24/7 crisis telephone lines.

Dawn Slater, Director of People and Professionalism at Livewell Southwest, said: “Anyone can struggle with their mental health, particularly during times of uncertainty as we’re experiencing now with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know how much of a lifeline football is to some people and we’re incredibly grateful that The Terrace and Plymouth Argyle have given us this opportunity to help raise awareness of our services.

“We want the Green Army, their families and friends to know that it’s ok to not be ok. Help is at hand if you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health.

“We can support you before things reach breaking point with our Plymouth Options Service, but if you are really struggling and you need help now please call us free on 0800 923 9323 to speak to a member of our First Response Service.

“Our First Response Service is a free, confidential service, available 24/7 if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis. Please don’t suffer in silence, we’re here for you.”

Argyle’s Partnerships Development Manager, James Voisey, said: “We are very proud to be able to support this crucial mental health messaging, which will hopefully shine a light on an important topic for Argyle fans.

“It would not have been possible without the extreme generosity of our partners at The Terrace, and we are extremely grateful to Carl and his team for their willingness to support such a worthy cause.

“The work that Livewell Southwest does has never been more important than now, and we are delighted to be able to use the Argyle platform to carry such an important message.”
 
To find out more about the crucial work Livewell Southwest carries out read more about the crucial work Livewell Southwest carries out, click here. If you live in Plymouth and need urgent support, you can call the 24/7 helpline on 0800 923 9323. Those aged 18 and under in Plymouth can also access 24/7 urgent mental health support by calling 01752 435122.

Click here to visit The Terrace website.

It’s okay to not be okay.