Blackpool SLO column: Help is available for anyone who might be struggling

It’s stating the obvious to say prolonged measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic are taking an increasingly heavy toll on everybody and all aspects of life.
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As fans, we are aware of the impact the restrictions are having on the game we love (suspended for all leagues below the National League top flight), on the clubs we support, on our social networks, on the people we love.

As a football community, we’re generally good at looking out for each other when bad times come calling.

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Right now it’s even more important that we can do so, what with the unprecedented triple-whammy of physical health issues, financial concerns and mental health problems having their effect as a result of Covid-19.

Blackpool's midweek win against Wigan Athletic was a boostBlackpool's midweek win against Wigan Athletic was a boost
Blackpool's midweek win against Wigan Athletic was a boost

If you’re going through dark times right now, or have a family member or friend whose mental health is suffering, please know that you are not alone.

There is support out there from a range of agencies (see contact numbers at the end of this piece).

The latest initiative, launched just last week, comes from the Armfield Support Group.

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It’s been set up as a first port of call for individuals in our fanbase and community, who might not ordinarily contact the established mental health groups and organisations.

It is a volunteer group which works closely with BFC Community Trust, along with other groups which specialise in drug, alcohol and gambling addiction.

The Armfield Support Group is only a phone call away – 07736 580692 – and is one of a number of support groups suggested by Blackpool FC.

Of course, results like the 5-0 win at Wigan the other night are a real boost when everything else is looking a bit grim.

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It certainly helps that football is keeping going at our level and it’s a relief to have the Seasiders hitting winning ways again – though you have to feel a bit sorry (after the full-time whistle) for the fans of Wigan Athletic.

Relegated last season as a result of having 12 points deducted for entering administration, Wigan are still in administration as a suitable buyer has not been found – not surprising in the current financial situation – and they are also in serious danger of a second successive relegation.

Worse than that, league rules state that a club may not commence a second season in administration, so there is even a possibility that Wigan Athletic could face expulsion from the EFL in the summer.

Never forget that could have been us.

The challenges of keeping clubs going through the pandemic has only served to highlight both how important football is in our lives and communities, and how serious are the many challenges to its sustainability.

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I think we are extremely fortunate in our new owner at Blackpool FC. I hate to think how we might have been placed right now under a different regime.

As if to underline how different an organisation the club is now from previously, the next Structured Dialogue meeting between fans’ group representatives and the BFC board will take place on Monday, February 22.

Because of Covid protocols, this will take place virtually, online via Zoom.

Representatives of all fans’ groups will be invited along with some randomly-selected, non-aligned supporters. If you’d like to be one of these, email me (details below).

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These Structured Dialogue meetings are opportunities to put questions about the running of the club to the board and to get in-depth replies.

The discussions are minuted and published in the interests of supporter engagement and transparency.

I will be putting out the call for questions in advance shortly.

Here are those mental health contact numbers. Maybe cut out and keep:

Samaritans: 116 123

Mind: 0300 123 3393

Age UK: 0800 678 1602

Calm: 0800 58 58 58

Papyrus: 0800 068 41 41

Armfield Support Group: 07736 580692

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Until next time, stay socially distanced and stay safe. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.

If you wish to contact me for any reason to do with supporter issues, or have queries or suggestions, feel free to do so by email: [email protected] or message me: @BFCSLO on Facebook or Twitter: – it’s what I’m here for.

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