Ex-Carlisle United Chris Lumsdon speaks on mental health struggle

Chris Lumsdon aired his struggles at a Wellbeing Day event organised by Cumberland Building Society.

Lumsdon, who had a successful spell with Carlisle between 2004 and 2009, making 167 appearances, voiced his experiences to the audience.

Chris Lumsdon's talk was well received by attendees. (Image: Harry Atkinson)

Speaking with admirable honesty, Lumsdon shared that his struggles began when he joined Barnsley, a Championship football club.

Despite his professional stature, he felt out of place and alienated, which resulted in escalating mental health difficulties.

He said: "I was homesick, living on my own in a place where I didn't know many people.

"I told the manager I was struggling, but his response was 'you're a footballer, man up'."

During his struggles, Mr Lumsdon considered leaving football entirely.

This changed, however, with his move to Carlisle United, where manager Paul Simpson was supportive and nurturing, helping to revive his career.

Cumberland Building Society has hosted a wellbeing day and trained 12 mental health champions. (Image: Harry Atkinson)

The former midfielder, who now assists vulnerable youth with his business, Lumsdon Elite Coaching, said: "If you are starting to struggle, there are ways to get assistance, to learn how to practise self-care."

His talk received a positive response from those attending.

David Noble, risk oversight manager at Cumberland, said: "Chris talked in such a positive way about what can be a negative subject.

"He made people feel confident to talk about their mental health in the same way they'd talk about their physical health."

A range of workshops was offered to attendees, including those by Andy's Man Club and neurodiversity charity Owl Blue.

The former currently operates as a form of therapy, encouraging men to discuss their problems.

Staff took part in workshops and mindfulness sessions (Image: Harry Atkinson)

Lead facilitator for Andy's Man Club, Chris Green said: "Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 54.

"One of the problems is that men don't talk about stuff, they keep it in.

"Our message is that it's okay to talk."

The event, held at the Cumberland House headquarters, comes as part of a drive for 'kinder banking', with the society equipping 12 of its staff members as mental health and wellbeing champions.

Tom Little, the business manager who made arrangements for the day, said: "This year the sessions have been packed.

"We've had around 250 colleagues taking part and the quality of the content of the talks has been brilliant."

The company has introduced multiple measures to give employees access to support, such as a 24/7 assistance programme and dedicated discussion groups.

They plan to carry forward this focus on wellbeing throughout the year, with a Neurodiversity Week planned for March.

In the mission to foster mental health awareness, the Cumberland Building Society was named a finalist at last year's British HR Awards, for the effective approach to staff wellbeing.

The society was cited as one of the best employers in the UK, according to the annual survey by Best Companies.