Time to Talk - Clubs

Supporting Men's Mental Health in Sports Clubs Across Norfolk

The #ItsTimeToTalk Sports Club Campaign, led by the 8:56 Foundation, encourages local sports clubs to start open, honest conversations about men’s mental health. Our aim is simple: break the silence around mental health and suicide and make sure every member of the sporting community - players, coaches, officials, and supporters feels seen, heard, and supported.

Why it matters

Men’s mental health is often overlooked. Many men face pressure in sport and in everyday life yet feel unable to talk about how they’re feeling. By bringing these conversations into sports clubs across Norfolk, we can:

  • Reduce stigma
  • Encourage early support
  • Build stronger, more connected teams
  • Help save lives
  • Every club has the power to create aa culture where talking about mental health is normal, and where support is always available.

How Your Club Can Get Involved

Display the 8:56 Message

Each club receives a #ItsTimeToTalk banner featuring both the 8:56 Foundation and club crests. This banner is more than a sign; it’s a public commitment to supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing.

Mental Health Awareness Visits

We visit your club to present the banner and talk about why mental health awareness matters. These visits give players and staff the chance to ask questions, share experiences, and learn how to support one another.

Share and Inspire

Clubs are encouraged to take a team photo with the banner and share it on social media, tagging the 8:56 Foundation. This helps spread the message and shows your club’s commitment to supporting its members.

Partnerships

If your club would like to adapt the banner, we’re happy to discuss options so it fits your needs.

Include Everyone

Remember, mental health affects all members of the club community, including coaches, referees, volunteers, and fans.

Supporting Each Other On and Off the Field

Support doesn’t end with a banner. We encourage clubs to:

Look Out for Each Other:

Team spirit means checking in on teammates, officials, and supporters. If someone seems withdrawn or not themselves, a simple conversation can make a real difference.

Promote Open Dialogue:

Make mental health a regular topic, not just during crises. Encourage everyone to share how they’re feeling and listen without judgement.

Signpost Support

Ensure everyone knows where to find support, whether that’s through the club, the 8:56 Foundation, or local mental health services.

We would like to thank the following clubs for joining our campaign

  • AFC Cedars
  • AFC Lynn
  • Castle Rising CC
  • City of Ely CC
  • Clenchwarton FC
  • Conningsby FC
  • Dersingham Rovers
  • Docking Angling Club
  • Downham Town FC
  • Fakenham Town
  • Gayton United
  • Grimston CC
  • Heacham FC
  • Horsford CC
  • Ingoldisthorpe FC
  • King’s Lynn Golf Club
  • King’s Lynn Soccer Club
  • Long Sutton CC
  • Marshland Saints
  • Moulton Harrox CC
  • Mundford Cricket Club
  • Narborough CC
  • Narborough FC
  • North Runcton CC
  • Old Buckenham CC
  • Pelicans Hockey Club
  • Reffley FC
  • Sandringham CC
  • Shouldham FC
  • Snettisham CC
  • Swaffham CC
  • Swaffham Town
  • Terrington Tigers FC
  • Thetford Rovers FC
  • Thornham CC
  • Watlington FC
  • Weeting Saxon
  • Wells Town FC
  • West Lynn FC
  • West Norfolk Disabled Angling
  • West Norfolk Rugby Club
  • West Winch FC
  • Whitchurch CC
  • Wisbech CC & HC
  • Wootton’s FC

To join the campaign or find out more, please email events@856foundation.org.uk.

Together, we can make our clubs places of hope, support, and understanding for all.

Friends of Foundation

Become a Friend of the Foundation and play a vital part in activating and energising 8:56 Foundation fundraising events.

As part of the Team, you’ll be the first to hear about new exciting volunteering opportunities.

Volunteering at an 8:56 event is an exciting and rewarding experience, with a range of roles available, there is something to suit everyone, whether:

  • You’re looking to meet new people

  • You’re interested in developing new skills and getting some hands-on events experience

  • You’re passionate about the 8:56 Foundation and looking for a different way to support men’s mental health and wellbeing.

Our Volunteer Coordinator will let you know what support is needed before each event. Tasks will vary depending on the type of event, but they often include:

  • Welcoming participants and spectators

  • Helping the event manager with set‑up and pack‑down

  • Giving information to participants and visitors

  • Checking people in or managing baggage drop‑off

  • Supporting general event operations, such as crowd guidance, supervising sustainability volunteers, or putting up signage

  • Helping around the course, marshalling, cheering, or handing out refreshments

  • Celebrating finishers by giving out medals and water

Volunteering with the 8:56 Foundation is a great way to support your local community, and meet new people whilst supporting the charity.

Please complete the short registration form to get started.

If you are experiencing any technical issues, please contact us at hello@856foundation.org.uk and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.