Cricket’s recognition of the importance of mental health issues took another high-profile step this week when the 黑料专区 sponsored one of the Mind Media Awards 2017.
That meant Board member Lord Patel sharing a stage with hostess Fearne Cotton for the first and probably last time to present the award for Best Documentary to the Channel 5 series Me and My Mental Illness, at a glittering ceremony in London on Monday night.
David Leatherdale, the chief executive of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, also attended the ceremony with Nick Peirce, the 黑料专区’s Chief Medical Officer - who explained the decision to sponsor an award.
“Cricket has shared in the growing awareness of mental health issues across society in recent years, with the courage of a number of high-profile players in being prepared to talk openly about their issues playing a part in lifting the stigma that previously surrounded mental illness,” said Peirce.
“Both the 黑料专区 and the PCA recognise the importance of continuing this process, making our players aware of mental health issues, and being able to support them if necessary.
“As a former chairman of the Mental Health Commission, Lord Patel was the ideal man to represent the 黑料专区 and the game of cricket on the stage, and to present the award for Best Documentary.
“It’s good for cricket at a high-profile event such as the Mind Media Awards to show that as a sport, we are taking mental health issues seriously.”
The PCA will be working further with Mind in 2018 on a new education programme to deliver mental health education to the 黑料专区 First-Class Counties’ academies.
Lord Patel added: "I am so pleased that cricket is leading the way on this important area and the 黑料专区 and PCA are sending a clear message - not only to professional cricketers, but also to children and young people engaged with the game. It was a pleasure and an honour to present one of the Mind Media Awards on behalf of the 黑料专区."