We are pleased to announce that former Mariner Nathan Arnold will be collaborating with the Grimsby Town Foundation on an initiative called ‘Beyond the Pitch’ as part of the Club’s on-going project to promote services to improve the mental wellbeing of people in our community.
Arnold, of course, is known for scoring the goal that sealed the Mariners promoting back to the EFL in 2016, but since his retirement four years ago, the former winger has become a life-coach, therapist, mentor and motivational speaker and now, through the ‘Beyond the Pitch’ initiative, he’s looking forward to helping Mariners supporters overcome their challenges and improve their all-round wellbeing.
“This project is something we have been working on in the background for some time now,” Arnold revealed.
“Throughout my life, I have had to manage my own mental health and I have been quite open about my struggles with anxiety during my playing days.
“Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with thousands of people to help them overcome their own personal challenges and empower them, and this has helped to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
“Beyond the Pitch is a way for me to help Mariners supporters by creating a safe space for people to share their feelings in a setting familiar to them and it’s something I’m really excited about doing.”
As part of the initiative, Arnold will be walking around the home stands at Blundell Park on selected matchdays, starting this weekend against Doncaster Rovers, to speak to supporters about the challenges they might be facing and also signpost them for further support if required.
“One of the issues people face is that it can take a long time for support to come,” Arnold said.
“This initiative will allow fans to access professional support instantly, rather than being put on a waiting list.
“Obviously, we’d only be able to scratch the surface on a matchday, but those five minutes of support or guidance could make a lot of difference to that individual.”
In addition to Arnold’s presence on matchdays, the Beyond the Pitch initiative will also involve group workshops and one-to-one support. We will be able to share further details of these in due course and supporters will be able to book spaces online via the Foundation website.
For more information about the Club’s on-going mental health project, supported by the Premier League Fans Fund, please email kristine@grimsbytownfoundation.co.uk.
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