EFL in the Community has announced a new collaboration with the national mental health charity Mind.

The collaboration, unveiled this week at an event at Derby County Football Club focused on Unlocking the Power of Physical Activity for Mental Health, will make EFL in the Community the first national organisation to roll out the Safe and Effective Practice support package across its network of 72 football club charities.

Mind’s research demonstrates that physical activity programmes can improve mental wellbeing - but only when delivered with awareness, structure and support. The two organisations say the collaboration underscores an ongoing commitment to consistent standards of safety, supervision and participant wellbeing.

STRUCTURED

The Safe and Effective Practice support package has been produced to help organisations implement and embed the recommendations featured in Mind’s Safe and Effective Practice report, ensuring safe, structured, and supportive physical activity delivery for both participants and practitioners. 

EFL in the Community was among a number of expert partners involved in the consultation process for the development of the report and its accompanying resources, and this new collaboration will enable it to equip football club charities to become early adopters of the guidance and recommendations.

The event at Derby brought together community health leaders from across England and Wales and experts from health organisations including Mind, Movember, Rugby League Cares and The Richmond Group to focus on sharing learning, best practice, and a celebration of impact.

EFFECTIVE

Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity at Mind, commented: “We’re delighted to announce that EFL in the Community has become the first national organisation to adopt the Safe and Effective Practice Guidance.

“EFL in the Community, with support of Mind, will be leading the way in 2026 by rolling out tailored workshops for football clubs in the new year a major step forward in embedding safe, impactful practice across the game and ultimately supporting more people to use physical activity to stay well and live well with mental health problems.”

Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the EFL, said: “We are incredibly proud that EFL in the Community has been officially recognised by Mind to deliver the Safe and Effective Practice support package across our network.

DEDICATION

“This recognition reflects the existing dedication and high standards of our football club charities to creating safe, structured, and supportive environments where physical activity can truly benefit mental wellbeing. By working closely with Mind and other expert partners, we’re ensuring that our programmes not only reach people - but reach them in the right way.”

More than 49 million people live within 15 miles of an EFL club, with more than one million people engaged in club community activity each season and more than £1billion-worth of social value generated through the range of programmes delivered.

Read the Safe and Effective Practice report.

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