Mind were chosen to become the EFL's Official Charity Partner from the start of the 2018/19 season on an initial two-year basis. In March 2020, the partnership was extended until the end of the 2021/22 season.
The EFL and Mind's game-changing 'On Your Side' partnership is in its fourth successful years, raising awareness of mental health with football fans across England and Wales, helping improve the approach to mental health within the EFL and raising vital funds for Mind's life-saving services.
With one in four individuals affected by mental health problems, the EFL will work with its network of Clubs and community trusts to promote Mind's message and services to millions nationwide with four ambitions to promote better mental health. The partnership will look to focus on the following areas:
In a first for English football, in 2018 the Mind logo was incorporated onto the name and number designs of all shirts and replica kits throughout the EFL.
Throughout the partnership, Mind have worked closely with the EFL to ensure Clubs have programmes in place to support the wellbeing of both staff and volunteers that can be put into practice throughout the footballing calendar.
Rick Parry, EFL Chairman, said: "The impact of our partnership with Mind has been game changing, providing the EFL and its clubs a platform to raise awareness of mental health across the game and wider society. I'd like to personally thank Mind for providing expertise, insight and unwavering support and we look forward to delivering yet more together over the coming season.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: "We're tremendously proud of our Charity Partnership with the EFL. We know that football, our national sport, has the power to create change, not least around mental health. Mind's 'On Your Side' partnership with the EFL has provided us with a unique platform to be real game-changers in the way football tackles mental health.
"From starting conversations about mental health among audiences that traditionally shy away from them, to raising vital funds for our work at local and national level, the partnership has helped us achieve real, collaborative change over the past three seasons. The EFL's unparalleled reach, as well as the pivotal role its clubs play in their local communities, makes partnering with them a fantastic opportunity for any charity looking to engage in football."