Notts County Foundation’s Gala Dinner is aiming to raise funds and awareness on its mental health projects and programmes.
Taking place 11th October, Nottingham Motorpoint Arena, the Gala will give the Foundation a platform to promote the work done in local communities to improve wellbeing across Nottingham.
With the event falling one day after World Mental Health Day, the Gala will have emphasis on a number of programmes available at the Foundation, highlighting the success stories and the participants that have gained support or benefited from the sessions.
This includes Right Mind, which aims to improve the mental wellbeing of women of all ages through increased levels of physical activity, peer-to-peer support, and educational workshops.
Exercise sessions, include netball, basketball, gym-based activities, fitness circuits, group walks, yoga and badminton. Funding for this programme could help more participants to build self-esteem and self-confidence, meet likeminded people, build new friendships, become a part of a positive support group, and improve communication surrounding mental health.
Similarly, On the Ball harnesses the power of football to engage participants, promote positive mental health messages, and to educate participants to better understand their thoughts and feelings.
The project utilises the importance of open and honest peer-to-peer communication by encouraging participants to discuss topics around stress, anger management, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and bereavement.
Notts County Foundation are proud of the development of these programmes, but it’s only made possible with funding and support outside of the charity.
A special event such as the Gala Dinner could directly impact the future of Right Mind and On the Ball. Vital funds raised feeds into the programmes; ensuring staff, facilities and equipment are at the best level possible.
‘’We work to bring in funds that allow us to run our programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds. Events like the Gala allow us to deliver key messages through the power of sport and physical exercise.
Whilst we are the charitable arm of Notts County FC, we are independent and our own organisation, so we generate our own income and funding. Whether that’s through funding bids, partnerships or donations and events just like the Gala’’. – Josh Stevenson | Health Team manager, Notts County Foundation
Every participant has a story, and their time spent on these projects has seen many of them grow in confidence; encouraging them to be proud of who they are and the progress they have made.
On the night of the Gala, there will be number of opportunities for guests to donate to the charity. This could be through the raffle and live auction, promising to provide outstanding prizes to bid on, with rare opportunities involving Notts County FC. Those that aren’t participating in the raffle or auction will have the chance to make smaller donations directly, through the Foundation’s Enthuse giving page.
In addition, Notts County Foundation have also invited Bottled Up Blokes to the Gala. BUB is a men’s mental health support group, with sessions running every Wednesday evening at Portland Centre – the home of NCF activity. Guests attending will be able to find out more about the group and how to get involved.
Guests will also be treated to a short video, capturing the spirit of the NCF programmes.
Ticket sales are starting to increase, and whilst the cut off point for booking is early October, it is recommended guests secure their tickets now to avoid disappointment.
