WORLD Champion Luke Humphries is supporting Liverpool-based charity ‘Chasing the Stigma’ ahead of this week’s BetMGM Premier League action in the city.
Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena will play host to Night 13 of the darting roadshow on Thursday April 25, as the biggest names in world darts continue to compete for the prestigious title.
Humphries currently tops the table with four nights of league action remaining, having secured three consecutive nightly wins in Brighton, Nottingham and Dublin earlier in the season.
The world number one – who will be hoping to return to winning ways at the Merseyside venue – has spoken openly about his mental health journey over recent years, having overcome his own adversity to become the sport’s premier player, and has shown his support for the ‘Chasing the Stigma‘.
“Everybody’s struggles are different, but we all go through it and we all try and manage it as best as we possibly can,” said Humphries, reflecting on his mental health journey.
“I’m proud of the way I battled the demons in my head. Speak to the people who are closest to you the most, they’re the people who are there in the toughest moments.
“It’s important to open up on the subject and talk about it because I feel as if it’s not talked about enough. I went out and spoke to the right people and now I stand here as a World Champion.”
Chasing the Stigma is a national mental health charity on a mission to remove the stigma associated with mental health.
Chasing the Stigma is driven to create a society where people are as comfortable talking about their mental health as their physical health, and where everyone is able to find appropriate support before they reach a point of crisis.
The charity operates the Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest and most comprehensive directory of community mental health services, with support filters such as anxiety, depression, gambling addiction, bereavement and much more.
Ben Williams, Director of Commercial and Business Development at the M&S Bank Arena said: “Our aim is to raise awareness among our audience and staff that help is out there.
“Everyone has their own mental health journey, but it’s well known that men are statistically more reluctant than women to seek help when they’re struggling.
“Although mental health is being talked about now more than ever, there’s still so much work to do to remove that stigma surrounding it.”
Jake Mills, Founder and CEO of Chasing the Stigma said: “The Hub of Hope is more than just another mental health app, it’s a gateway to recovery and support.
“If you or a loved one are struggling with any mental health concern, we urge you to start with the Hub of Hope, to find the most readily available support near you, when you need it.
“There is always help and there is ALWAYS hope.”
With more than 149,000 local, regional, grassroots and national services currently listed, the Hub of Hope is the UK’s go-to mental health support signposting tool.
It includes a ‘Need Help Now’ function which allows you to talk directly to Samaritans or access text message support via the ShoutCrisis Text line.
The ACC Liverpool Group, who operate the M&S Bank Arena, have adopted the Hub of Hope as the official mental health signposting tool for staff and have trained many of their staff as Ambassadors of Hope.
Ben Williams added: “Although mental health is being talked about now more than ever, there’s still so much to do to remove the stigma surrounding it.
“We’re committed to supporting the positive well-being of our staff and encouraging good mental health practices, and have embraced the Hub of Hope as the official mental health signposting tool for our workforce.
“Starting the conversation is the important first step in supporting good mental health and a happy, healthy workplace.”
See more about the M&S Bank Arena’s support for Chasing the Stigma below
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Image: PDC
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