Eddie Howe has hailed the work done by the Newcastle United Foundation during a surprise midweek visit. The Magpies’ boss took time out of his schedule to meet supporters taking part in a walking football match. Alongside assistant coaches Graeme Jones and Jason Tindall, Howe also attended a Football Talks session – a campaign which aims to get people opening up about their mental health. Speaking at the foundation’s new headquarters near St James’ Park, the 44-year-old praised the “inspiring” facilities while admitting he also learned from his visit.
Eddie Howe said: “I think it is inspiring (the foundation). Educational, for me as well because you come here and you’re not quite sure what happens and the routines that people go through. Just talking about the walking football for a start, the impact it’s had on people’s mental health, their mental wellbeing, feeling included, giving them a purpose to get up, giving them exercise and the ability to keep fit. There are so many positives to take from it. Also, allied to that you can see the passion for Newcastle shining through as well with the stadium just around the corner. (It is in a) brilliant location.”
A concerning statistic is how the North East has the highest suicide rates in England, with 14.1 in 100,000 people taking their own life. Howe was taken by that reality and urged the population – in particular males – to start talking.
Eddie Howe said: “That’s alarming and I think that should concern everybody – not just in the North East but in England. We need to try and find solutions to people’s problems and talking is I think the first port of call for me. A lot of the male population don’t tend to talk, knowing as a man myself, it is not something we do very well. If we can encourage people to be social, meet together and talk through their problems, hopefully, that goes one step towards solving the problem. Growing up, I had three brothers and a sister. Quite a big surrounding family and you’re aware that not everyone’s happy at the same time and issues can arise as people get older. Also now, being a manager, responsible for a football club and having a dressing room where you need to make sure that everyone’s in a good place to perform. But first of all, they need to be in a good place as a person to be able to do that. So I think that’s been an important part of my role.”
Howe offered words of advice to Newcastle fans who may be struggling mentally. Staying active and finding a hobby are two simple ways the Toon boss believes can help on the road to recovery.
Eddie Howe said: “Well, my advice would be to get out of the house and try and come to an organisation like this where you can just ask questions. Is there something they deliver that you’re interested in? It doesn’t have to be football, it can be any activity, but it’s trying to find a love for something that brings you closer to people. And once you’re closer to other people, then hopefully you’ll be encouraged to share your problems and I think that’s my message.”
