BALLS FOR BRAINS CHARITY NEWS

FOYNE JONES REVEALS BALLS FOR BRAINS

AS NEW CHARITY PARTNER

Foyne Jones, has announced that its charity partner for the year is Balls for Brains: an organisation that works passionately to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health through the power of team sports.

Peter Jones, Managing Director of Foyne Jones says, “I am a passionate supporter of improving mental health in the workplace, as well as a massive fan of team sports so when I discovered Balls for Brains via a post on LinkedIn, I wanted to step-up and help a local charity which is dear to my heart. The company’s mission is to empower players and clubs worldwide and give them the confidence to discuss and promote better mental wellbeing for everyone. Rightly so, they start at the grass roots which is why we want to help "We must lead by example and support our hardworking teams through change with continuous personal and professional development and a commitment to openness in the workplace."

them to deliver their free #PackMindset workshop to all clubs in Sussex.

Based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Balls for Brains is the brainchild of Jon Tutty, who founded the charity after re-discovering the power of community and friendship rugby provides as he managed his own mental health issues 15 years ago. Jon says, “We all need someone to talk to and when I returned to my local rugby club after a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and non-verbal Tourette’s syndrome, everyone had my back. As people at the club began approaching me to talk about their own mental health, I saw the potential of reaching out to sports clubs as safe and supportive spaces to break the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. It’s what I call ‘the power of the pack’. Today

we deliver #PackMindset to businesses and sports clubs throughout Sussex and the South of England alongside providing a 24-hour helpline and signposting individuals and families to specialist services including benefits advice, homelessness and recovery support.”

Peter adds, “I was hugely impressed by the work that Jon and his ambassadors have done for mental health and the creative approach they have taken with fundraising including a great clothing range and a clear ‘Road to Wellbeing’ strategy to assist when life feels overwhelming. We kicked off our work together by donating pre-loved sports kit so that as many people can get back into the game as possible and we have already beaten our first fundraising target by raising over £1,000 with a sponsored 5k run at Seaford in February. We are proud to help sponsor a Balls for Brains mental health first aider at rugby matches, in branded kit and is available to the public and the players on the day. Making connections through sport and the community of family, friends and colleagues is vital for good mental health, and Foyne Jones and our sister company Jones Digital is keen to lend its signature passion, energy and expertise to give Balls for Brains an even louder voice.”

Jon was recently a guest on season 5 of The Foyne Jones Show podcast series aim to increase more awareness of the vital work that ‘Balls for Brains’ is doing. “I realise that I need to look after myself and my team to ensure happiness whilst inspiring to deliver our services to an exceptional standard; and as I believe in opening-up important conversations to a wider audience, I will be bearing the costs for a bespoke mental health workshop provided for Balls for Brains at our premises in Newhaven and invite my business friends and associates to come along for the experience. We must lead by example and support our hardworking teams through change without continuous personal and professional development and a commitment to openness in the workplace,” says Peter.

“We all need someone to talk to and when I returned to my local rugby club after a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and non-verbal Tourette’s syndrome, everyone had my back."

In 2022, Foyne Jones and Jones Digital pledge:

• To be a positive voice for Balls for Brains and contribute to the #PackMindset

• To be an active supporter of the charity across all platforms

• All profits from the upcoming released of ‘The Podcast Diaries’ will go to Balls for Brains

• To host a dedicated mental health workshop by Balls for Brains

• Second Foyne Jones 5K to be held at Seaford Beach

• Foyne Jones and Jones Digital Summer Golf Day

• Foyne Jones Paragliding Day

Previous charities which Peter Jones and his team have supported include SEED – Eating disorders support service, its charity partner in 2021, and CALM – the campaign against living miserably.