Mental Health On The Mind At Harriers With New Sponsors

The National League North club have announced a shirt sponsorship arrangement with the Kaleidoscope Plus Group.

The mental health and wellbeing charity do incredible work nationally - and their logo will adorn the club’s newly-released kits.

Manager Russ Penn is excited about the new campaign ahead of the release of the season's fixtures on Tuesday.

Kidderminster have always championed equality, diversity and wellbeing and in January appointed Monica Shafaq, the CEO their new sponsors, to work within the club and make sure they are leading the way.

The Kaleidoscope Plus Group boss said: “Mental illness does not discriminate and the perception that those who have successful careers are exempt from being affected is wrong.

“Entwining mental health with football allows players to really understand the importance of their teammates’ wellbeing as well as their own and they will prepared for the emotional pressures that they will inevitably face.

“This isn’t simply about being a sponsor. Our sponsorship is designed not only to raise awareness and encourage people to talk about mental health but also to signpost them to relevant services.”

Harriers Chief Executive Neil Male told the club’s website: “We’re thrilled. Mental health is still a huge stigma within the football community, even though it’s relevant to everyone in sport, even at the elite level.

“We want to work with players from the grassroots up to our first team, to educate them that it’s okay not to be okay.

“Communication is vital and we always encourage every member of the Kidderminster Harriers family to be open about their mental health and how they're coping with the many challenges they face.

“The Kaleidoscope Plus Group being there to help is a huge part of that, which makes this a perfect partnership."