Football Writers' Association
Help for FWA members.
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or in crisis, text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential text support, 24 hours a day.
While the physical and mental health of footballers is scrutinised by millions of people around the world, little consideration is given to those who follow and report on the game for a living. With long hours on the road, tight deadlines, the ongoing expectancy of delivering an exclusive, and all sorts of other stresses, protecting your mental wellbeing can be a challenge.
In 2020, The Football Writes’ Association made it a priority to find a mental health partner and the Football Association reached out a hand in friendship, creating a partnership with the mental health charity Mind during their Heads-up campaign.
Over six months, we surveyed our writers and passed our research on to the mental health charity Mind, who created a dedicated mental health toolkit for our writers and your friends and family.
First and foremost, If you just need someone to talk to, to discuss ANY worry or concern, give Calm a call.
Calm helplines are open from 5pm to midnight 365 days of the year; 0800 585858
“You don’t have to be suicidal to contact us, in fact we would rather talk with you so you don’t reach that point.”
“A conversation with us can help you talk yourself into a calmer frame of mind. The conversations we have and the range of issues we cover are so diverse. It makes every day so different.” Calm Helpline
Please do take the time to explore the FWA Tool Kit which covers not just stress, depression and anxiety but managing workloads, finances, loneliness on the road, the insecurities which can drive but deplete us and tips for creating the boundaries to create a work/life balance.
Just like players, football writers often face public scrutiny. Social media has significantly changed the way you write about and follow the game, and it’s good to engage with your followers to share your work and spark good-natured debate. After all, as humans, the strength of connection we feel with other people can have a positive impact on our lives, but some people may take it too far.
Feeling insulted, or even threatened, by messages you receive can leave you feeling anxious, inadequate, isolated and even worried for your safety. All this combined can lead to you spending more time – too much time – reading comments on social media than you realise, which comes with added strain on your mental health.
This help page explores some things you can do if you, a colleague, or one of your reporters is the target of a hate campaign.
The toolkit also brings you some pointers on how to start a conversation on mental health, how to speak to an employer/employer on mental health and how to find help for family and friends.
If you do not find what you are looking for here, do contact the Football Writers’ Association in strictest confidence.
We are here to support you.