Derby County Community Trust has today announced the expansion of their men’s mental health programme in Derby, Team Talk, following a successful pilot programme and a significant, year-long investment from 32Red.

Team Talk uses the club as a mechanism to engage with men about their mental health. 

Alongside news that 32Red has committed to a multi-year deal as Principal Sponsor of Derby County Football Club, the gaming platform will work in partnership with Derby County Community Trust. As a result, Team Talk will open five hubs across the city – including one at the Derby County Community Trust offices, located just by Pride Park Stadium.

Head of Community at Derby County Community Trust Simon Carnall said: “This is the first time Derby County’s main sponsor has made such a big investment in the local community. Working in partnership with 32Red, we can now expand the programme and reach many more men with mental health problems across the community over the coming year.”

Derby County’s manager Frank Lampard said: “Team Talk is a fantastic programme set up by Derby County Community Trust that provides men with mild mental health issues or worries, a safe place to talk and socialise with likeminded individuals.”

The year-long investment in the scheme from 32Red is the core part of a new commitment from the firm to become the sponsor of choice for sporting organisations and their communities and reinvent sponsorship so that it benefits places and communities – with the betting company also sponsoring boxing, horse racing and darts in the UK.

Neil Banbury, 32Red’s General Manager, said: “The investment we are announcing today means Derby County Community Trust can open four newTeam Talk hubs across the city. Using the unique relationship supporters have with their local club, we hope to reach hundreds more men with the expanded mental health support services who would otherwise be suffering in silence.

“Our partnership with Derby County Community Trust, and the extended relationship with Derby County Football Club, shows a new model for football club sponsorship is possible. 32Red are leading the way in becoming a sponsor of choice for a club and its community.”

Team Talk aims to support men who suffer from mild mental health problems, offering them a secure and friendly space to socialise and talk openly about their thoughts and feelings. Those facing more severe problems will be able to find advice about where best to seek help. The weekly two hour sessions have a positive and relaxed atmosphere where people can meet others who may be experiencing similar mental health issues.

The Mental Health Foundation says men are far less likely than women to either disclose a mental health problem to friends and family, or seek professional support – over a third of men (35%) waited more than 2 years or have never disclosed a mental health problem to a friend or family member compared to 25% of women.