TO promote mental health awareness and well-being, Carlisle United Football Club is set to host its Walk To The Match initiative ahead of today's fixture against Cheltenham (December 23). 

The Carlisle United Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) walk, in collaboration with Talkhub, aims to address the critical issue of mental health in the local community. 

EDI officer Nigel Davidson said: "Cumbria has one the highest suicide rates, particularly in men.

"The idea is to get people together before the game to have a walk, get out in the fresh air, make it green by doing a walk and get people talking. 

"Letting the group know that there is help there and there is someone on that walk they can talk to. 

"Between myself and Craig Mills, who volunteers to Talkhub, between the two of us, we can signpost to where the help is they might need," he said. 

Nigel highlighted the importance of initiatives such as these for the club and the wider leagues. 

"We've been working a lot on diversity, equality, inclusion, and mental health for the last few years.

"One because it's the right thing to do and two because the EFL asked all 72 clubs to take part in their code of practice.

"We've been working towards our bronze standard of that for the last few years," he said. 

Looking ahead, Carlisle United has plans to establish a mental health drop-in center at the football club in the New Year, offering community mental health services.

Furthermore, the club will host an Andy's Man Club, starting in January, with a specific focus on men's mental health. 

"We're trying to do around six walks a season. It's not exclusive to men; we will have women walking with us as well - anyone can join us today," Nigel said. 

The walk starts from Carlisle's Old Town Hall at 12.30pm (December, 23) and concludes at Brunton Park.