Leicester’s professional sports clubs have united to support the communities they serve by launching UnitedLeicester.com, a free online platform aimed at breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging those in need to seek support.
Funded by NHS Charities Together, Leicester Hospitals Charity, Raising Health (Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust), and the East Midlands Ambulance Charitable Fund, and developed by wellness solutions company Frog Systems, the United Leicester hub features personal stories from the sporting community. These powerful videos, along with links to local support organizations and helpful resources, are designed to inspire and provide support.
Current and former players, staff, and supporters from each club have contributed to the initiative.
Launched today on World Mental Health Day, the hub will share positive messages on wellbeing, encouraging people across Leicester to lead healthier, happier lives.
Sam Swift, Leicester Tigers Foundation Manager, emphasized the impact of the initiative: “The wellbeing hub is a fantastic opportunity for Leicester’s four professional clubs to support their fans and the broader community on a wide range of critical issues. By featuring real fans, staff, and legendary players discussing how they’ve overcome their challenges, we’ve created an authentic service that can truly engage and help on these important topics.”
Ian ‘Dosser’ Smith, former Leicester Tigers captain and head coach, highlighted the significance of addressing mental health in sports: “Mental health has long been a taboo in sport, but now is the time to challenge this and help those around us find the right support. By combining the histories and fan bases of our four professional clubs, this platform can reach and support a much broader audience.”
The United Leicester project is a collaboration between local professional sports clubs and their official charities—Leicester City in the Community, Leicester Riders Foundation, Leicester Tigers Foundation, and Leicestershire County Cricket Club Foundation—focused on promoting positive wellbeing.
Developed by Frog Systems, the platform includes videos that showcase how sport has helped individuals in the community overcome challenges like depression, racism, and addiction.
Phil Worms, Chief Executive of Frog Systems, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We are delighted to work with Leicester’s sports clubs on this crucial initiative. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing, and we hope this platform encourages more people to seek the help they need.”
Having relaunched earlier this year with a focus on adult support, the project also provides weekly sports and activity sessions to promote mental and physical wellbeing.
United Leicester is supported by grants from NHS Charities Together, Leicester Hospitals Charity, Raising Health (Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust), and the East Midlands Ambulance Charitable Fund.
Visit the new mental health and wellbeing hub at www.unitedleicester.com, where each club offers weekly activities to support adults in improving their mental and physical health.
