New partnership with Bradford City

Bradford District and Craven Mind has teamed up with Bradford City AFC in a new three-year partnership aimed at raising awareness of mental health and encouraging more local people to talk about it and seek help if they are struggling.

The announcement by the local mental health charity and the Bantams comes during Mental Health Awareness Week – a UK-wide campaign that aims to make mental health a national priority by tackling stigma and helping people to prioritise their own and others’ mental health. 

This long-term partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting and promoting mental health across the Bradford district and Craven.

Over the next three years, the charity and football club will work closely to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, shine a spotlight on what help is available to those needing support locally, and jointly deliver events and activities to help BDC Mind achieve its vision that no-one in the Bradford district and Craven has to face a mental health issue alone.

Helen Davey, CEO at 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.”

BDC Mind provides free mental health support to people of all ages in Bradford district and Craven.

In 2024/25, the charity supported over 18,500 people with their mental health and wellbeing. It could not reach the number of people it does every year without donations, sponsorships and partnerships.

Paula Watson, director of operations, inclusion lead and senior safeguarding officer at the club, added: “This is an incredibly important relationship as we enhance our commitment to our Responsible Bantams initiative and ensuring our people feel supported.”