Ex-Premier League ace Clarke Carlisle has urged fans to look out for each other as the new season approaches.
The 46-year-old racked up over 400 professional appearances and earned three caps for the England under-21 national team. But during his playing career, and after he hung up his boots, the former defender suffered serious mental health challenges.
Carlisle admitted he attempted to take his own life when he was hit by a lorry in December 2014.
Carlisle is now Chair of Mind - the UK’s leading mental health charity - and is looking to challenge stigma and drive change across sport and society.
Last weekend, Mind and five non-league clubs came together for a charity tournament in Northumberland - 'The Better Together Cup'. The two-day event was organised by QTS Data Centers and Blyth Spartans in the name of celebrating grassroots football and promoting mental health.
QTS, who are building one of Europe's largest data centres in nearby Cambois, made a £20,000 donation to support the charity's work expanding mental health services across the region.
Carlisle insists it's crucial to keep the mental health conversation going - and the football community can play an important role in making that happen.
