Cheshire FA are proud to announce that we have set up a strategic partnership with Tough to Talk, a men’s suicide intervention and mental health charity. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to wellbeing, we are keen to ensure that mental health is prominent in our strategic priorities both on our current and next strategy. 

Moving forward, we will be working closely with Steve Whittle and the team at Tough to Talk to not only raise awareness of suicide, but to also work to provide preventative support. 

Given the number of males involved in grassroots football in Cheshire, we are confident that through this partnership, we can have a huge impact on male mental health & wellbeing. 

Steve Smithies, CEO of Cheshire FA spoke of his pride at the partnership: “The work that Tough to Talk do is incredibly important and Cheshire FA are proud to be working closely with Steve and the team moving forward to raise awareness and have a real positive impact on men’s mental health. We will be rolling out a variety of different avenues of support for players, volunteers and referees across the county.”

Business Development Manager, Greg McLean, outlined: “Wellbeing is very much at the forefront of our strategic thinking as a County FA. We are keen to provide a detailed spectrum of support to both mental and physical health; so through our partnership with Tough to Talk, we will be able to raise awareness on this vitally important area. Football has a huge role to play in supporting people through challenging times in their life, and equipping people with the tools to have difficult conversations could save lives.”

Steve Whittle, Founder of Tough to Talk, added: “Partnerships like ours with Cheshire FA are more than just crucial - they're life-saving. We're tearing down the wall of silence around male suicide, one brick at a time. Men face battles every day - mental health challenges, past traumas, societal pressures, even biological factors. Yet, we feel like we can’t talk about it. Well, no more. It's time we allowed men to channel their strength and courage into self-care first, then extend that hand to fellow men. This isn't just about mental health. It's about redefining masculinity - a kind that saves lives, not ends them. Let's do this, together."

You can find out more about Tough to Talk by visiting www.toughtotalk.com

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