Every Mind Matters have collaborated with the Heads Up campaign, a partnership between Heads Together and The Football Association, harnessing the power of football to start the biggest ever conversation on mental health amongst the football community.
The move will see all 32 ties kick off 1 minute later than their traditionally scheduled broadcast and non broadcast timeslots, for example 3.01pm, 12.16pm and 7.46pm. Wolves v Man United will kick off at Molineux Stadium at 5.31pm.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness of the importance of looking after people's mental health, with 60 seconds representing just the first step in the journey to improved wellbeing. During the minute delay, fans will be encouraged to consider the positive impact 60 seconds can have on their own wellbeing or in supporting a friend or family member.
Spearheaded by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, the Heads Up campaign harnesses the influence and popularity of football to encourage more people – particularly men – to feel comfortable talking about, and taking action to improve, their mental health and to recognise that mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Whilst delaying kick off times by 60 seconds is a simple idea, it provides a powerful platform for us and our Heads Up charity partners to deliver a really important message on mental health.
“We know that men in particular can be reluctant to talk about the subject, so it is important that we use football as a vehicle to stress the importance of mental fitness.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "As a council, we ensure that the health and wellbeing of our staff and residents is a key priority, and it's great that The FA, Heads Together and Wolves are spearheading this important campaign.
“Having good mental health can help us feel and function better, have more positive relationships with those around us and deal with and manage difficult times now and into the future. Over time, having good mental health may also reduce our risk of physical health problems."
For help, advice and to create your own action plan to help look after your mental health, visit Every Mind Matters.
