Men’s mental health charity urges cricketers to go green

Cricketers across West Norfolk are being encouraged to wear green socks this weekend to help raise awareness about men’s mental health.The 8:56 Foundation – the West Norfolk-based charity dedicated to men’s mental health – has launched the #WearItGreen campaign.It is urging all cricket teams to wear green socks to raise awareness and spark essential conversations about mental health challenges faced by men.Richard Watson from the Foundation said: “Over 4,500 men lost their lives to suicide in 2023, that is the equivalent of losing around 400 cricket teams.”We know that statistically, one man will lose their life to suicide every two hours in England and Wales.”The #WearItGreen across cricket initiative aims to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health.Aaron Nicol from the 8:56 Foundation Cricket Team added: “By demonstrating support through green socks, the campaign fosters an environment where hopefully men feel empowered to talk about their mental health and wellbeing. “The message is clear: mental health challenges are nothing to be ashamed of, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” The 8:56 Cricket Team hopes that the campaign will promote conversations about men’s mental health, help individuals feel less isolated and open doors to support networks.Watson added: “We’re pleased that the Norfolk Cricket Foundation has got behind this with us and we hope that as many teams, supporters and umpires as possible join in.”We have been amazed at the response already, with several players and teams buying our # ItsTimeToTalk Green socks. “We hope that the sight of an entire cricket team wearing green socks is a powerful sign that mental health matters.”Through the cricketing community, we can make a real difference in breaking down stigma and encouraging men to talk.”The weekend is completed when the 8:56 play a match against the Norfolk Cricket Foundation at Manor Park, the home of Horsford CC, on Sunday with a 1pm start.