Suffolk Mind is using Sunday’s game against Manchester City to highlight mental ill health.
The charity has produced infographics which will be on display around the ground at the game, on advertising hoardings, the back of players’ warm-up shirts and elsewhere.
These will feature statistics collated national Mind illustrating the scale of mental ill health, such as that 19 per cent of women are currently experiencing depression or anxiety and 20 per cent of workers in the UK have had time off due to mental ill health.
"Ipswich Town fans have certainly had a lot to cheer about in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they are immune from mental ill health,” said Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, who is pictured above with Seb Norton, the Blues’ supporter engagement executive.
"All of us share the same 12 emotional and physical needs – which going to the football can certainly help us meet – but in reality there is much more going on in our lives which can affect our wellbeing.
"We hope these infographics provide an insight into how many people experience mental ill health while inspiring conversation among fans, encouraging them to speak to others about how they feel.
"Our thanks go to Ipswich Town for their continued support in raising awareness of mental health and our services.”
Suffolk Mind’s In Your Corner badges will be on sale throughout the day, while Neal will be charity volunteer Martyn, who previously received support from its Suffolk Work Well service,
A video of Martyn discussing his inspirational mental health journey will also be displayed on the big screen before the match, with other volunteers also available to chat to in the FanZone.
Mark Ashton, chairman and CEO of Town, added: "The club is delighted to be dedicating Sunday’s matchday to Suffolk Mind and help raise awareness for an important charity which is incredibly close to the club’s heart.
"It is more important than ever to support and discuss issues around mental health and the club is proud to be working with Suffolk Mind to highlight the important work the charity does in our county.”