Mitch: What Happened Next
Written By SPFL Trust Media Centre
We’re proud to release a film today (Tuesday 02 March 2021) in partnership with the Chris Mitchell Foundation that highlights the impact of the footballer’s death – and his remarkable legacy.
Today’s launch coincides with the news that ALL 42 SPFL clubs enrolled staff in Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFAT) which we deliver in partnership with the Chris Mitchell Foundation.
On average five members of staff from each SPFL club, such as community and academy coaches, pastoral staff, and even football managers, have completed the course.
In total, over 600 people have taken part in MHFAT with delegates attending from across football in Scotland at all levels from the men’s and women’s game.
We are reporting a significant increase in demand for the course places; 20% of all attendees over the last four years have participated in the last four months, during the pandemic. The course provides vital training to people working within Scottish football and the communities in which clubs are based. The aims of the training is to:
- Equip staff with the skills to provide initial support
- Prevent the problem from getting worse
- Provide tools for giving comfort
In fulfilling these aims, participants of the training can meet the following objectives:
- Talking about suicide
- Recognising the signs of mental health problems
- Providing initial help and how to guide a person to appropriate help
Chris died by suicide in May 2016, after a period of depression that followed the end of his career after injury. He had played for Falkirk, Bradford City, Queen of the South, and Clyde. He memorably scored the winning goal for Falkirk against European giants Ajax in an international challenge match.
The Chris Mitchell Foundation was set-up by Chris’ dad and sister Laura following his death. The foundation aims to dispel the stigma associated with mental health in Scottish football
through education and by raising awareness.
‘Mitch: What happened next?’ is a sequel to ‘Mitch’ from February 2018 which featured six of Chris’ friends discussing his tragic passing and sharing their memories of him.
This new film picks up the story and explains the impact Chris’ legacy has had on Scottish football through Mental Health First Aid Training. It features Chris’ dad Philip, his friend Scott Arfield (who appeared in the original film), and three different training participants.
It comes at a time when Scotland is facing significant mental health problems. There were 833 suicides registered in Scotland in 2019, compared to 784 in 2018.
Over the last four years, there has been a worrying trend showing an increase in suicide. Men are still three times as likely as women to die by suicide, and men in their middle years (25-54) account for the largest group.
Philip Mitchell, co-founding trustee, Chris Mitchell Foundation, said: “We miss Christopher every day and set up the foundation in his memory. We want to prevent other families from having to go through the pain that we’ve been through in recent years. No one should have to experience the loss of a loved one to suicide.
“The Mental Health First Aid Training programme has been an enormous success, with over 600 people trained. This is at all levels in the SPFL, Women’s football, and the grassroots game.
“I want to thank the people that have taken part. You’re helping Scottish football to have a conversation that is desperately needed. It is people like you who give us hope. Things are changing in the conversation around mental health, and there is no going back.”
Scott Arfield, Chris’ friend and former teammate now plays for Rangers Football Club. He said: “I see it in the Changing Rooms now, people talk, people are far more open, there’s no doubt what happened to Chris has changed things massively.
“Chris was my best friend, he is sorely missed by all of us, every day. But, he will always be remembered. He was so popular and a pleasure to be around. It’s not easy to think about the circumstances around his tragic passing but I am hopeful that our charity work underlines the importance of mental health awareness and training to break the stigma.
“No matter who you are, or the circumstances you face, please don’t give up and speak to people around you for support.”
Our chair Bernadette Malone added: “The SPFL Trust is committed to using the power of football to enable a change in conversation, because we know talking can save lives.
“Our partnership with the Chris Mitchell Foundation was born out of tragedy, and we know that his family mourn his passing every day. But from that darkness, there has been some light. Scottish football is now talking about mental health.
“There is still so much to do, as recent trends show us. No death by suicide should ever be inevitable, and so we will continue to support and build programmes that use football for good.”
Find out more about Mental Health First Aid Training here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don’t hesitate to ask for help by contacting Samaritans on 116 123.