Caridon Foundation, the not-for-profit organisation within the Caridon Group dedicated to offering housing-related support to vulnerable tenants, announces its annual Staff vs Tenants football match scheduled for Monday 13 May. The match will take place from 12:30 to 14:30 at the Selhurst Sport Arena, now known as MerkyFC HQ, following its high profile acquisition by Stormzy in collaboration with Adidas.
This event serves as a key fixture in Caridon Foundation’s event calendar and commitment to raising awareness for mental health, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week from 13th to 19th May 2024. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Movement: Moving for our mental health,” as advocated by the Mental Health Foundation, Caridon Foundation’s initiative emphasises the crucial role physical activity plays in promoting mental well-being.
In conjunction with the event, Caridon Foundation will outfit all staff members with green t-shirts as part of the “wear it green” initiative, symbolising solidarity and support for mental health awareness.
Operating within communities where individuals face various social disadvantages, including mental health challenges, Caridon Foundation provides essential services aimed at sustaining tenancies and offering comprehensive support. These services encompass preventing eviction, enhancing financial management skills, fostering independence, and facilitating long-term support access, ultimately enabling tenants to maintain residence and transition to sustainable housing options.
Recognising the profound impact physical well-being exerts on mental health, Caridon Foundation established the Caridon Foundation Eagles, an adult mental health football team in Croydon. With weekly coaching sessions conducted by Palace for Life, this initiative provides tenants with a safe and supportive environment to engage in physical activity and forge meaningful connections within a like-minded community. One member of Caridon Foundation Eagles recently said “Caridon Foundation has given me so much amazing support with our mental health football team. Every week they provide food, drink, a listening ear and emotional support. Caridon offers a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable and be themselves.”
Mario Carrozzo, the founder of Caridon Foundation, stresses the transformative influence of sports on mental well-being. He states, “For those grappling with mental health challenges, acknowledging and seeking assistance can be daunting, particularly for individuals lacking a support network. Through sports, our tenants have discovered a sense of community, and we witness firsthand the positive impact it has on their mental well-being and ability to cope with the every day stresses. By sharing their stories, we aspire to inspire others to prioritise their mental health and seek positive change.”