Hope all Cherries fans have enjoyed the international break and ready for Palace away. Unfortunately I can't make the game at Selhurst Park, although I would absolutely love to go back there. I'm yet to go and watch the Cherries play there. My only memories of Selhurst Park is going to promote my fight against Richard Riakporhe there, the night they handily beat Man United and my fight week there. I vividly remember standing in front of their stand, staring at the crowd of which 99 per cent were booing me, a few were giving me some unsavoury hand gestures. I could take in everything that was going on but nothing could stop how I was about to perform. I was locked in. I was 'in the zone'. I know the lads will feel the same on Saturday and give absolutely everything again, against a very good Palace side.
(Image: PA)
Last Friday was World Mental Health day. AFC Bournemouth held an evening with a panel to talk to both staff and supporters. I was invited to be on the panel to talk about my mindset around my profession, how I deal with adversity and what tools I use to see positives at times when it can seem there are only negatives.
The discussion was hosted by Damien from the Talking Cherries. Talking Cherries is an organisation that is a mental health initiative led by Bournemouth fans such as Damien, who are aiming to create a no pressure, non-judgemental and relaxed environment to help people in times of need.
The evening was extremely enlightening for myself and highlighted to me that as people we need support. People ARE there to help. The best advice I feel I can give to anyone struggling is take that first step. Let somebody know how you feel. If you don't feel like you have anyone close like friends or family, reach out to one of the many free helplines such as The Samaritans, Dorset Mind, Talking Cherries plus many more. There is professional help out there, people want to help and we ALL need help at times. So keep going, you've got this!
With the uncertainty there has been around my next fight, I’ve joined the rest of the world and got into padel. I need something competitive to get my teeth stuck in to which is enjoyable. I have even entered a padel tournament. Padel Circulo is a friend of mine's brand and he is running his next tournament on November 29 at Cross Court Padel in Creekmoor. My friend Luke is trying to make it inclusive for everyone of all skill levels with a category dedicated to ladies who are really growing in the sport. There are still some spaces left in the tournament so if you want to get involved (and see if I'm any good or not) head to www.padelcirculo.com and I'll see you there for some Bandejas and Bajadas.
Have a great weekend everyone. Big love!
Call the Samaritans on 116 123 or go online at samaritans.org
Talking Cherries: https://www.talkingcherries.org.uk/
Dorset Mind: For text support, Shout 85258 provides 24/7 FREE, year-round confidential text support service any time of the day if you’re struggling to cope and need mental health support.
Connection 24/7 Phoneline for Dorset –
Connection is a 24/7 phone helpline for people of all ages in Dorset who are experiencing mental health issues and need support.
Dial 0800 652 0190 to access support.
You do not need to be known by their services, and can also phone for support and advice about a friend or family member experiencing poor mental health.
Staff are trained to support anyone who calls, regardless of the level of mental health crisis, and can signpost you or your loved one to the most appropriate service which meets your needs.
ChildLine
(For young people under 18 or adults worried about someone under 18)
ChildLine provides a confidential telephone counselling service for any child with a problem. It comforts, advises and protects. You can:
call 0800 1111 any time for free
The Mix
(For young people under 25)
The Mix provides a free confidential telephone helpline and online service that aims to find young people the best help, whatever the problem. You can:
call 0808 808 4994 for free – lines are open from 11am to 11pm every day
Papyrus
(For those aged 35 and under who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, and for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide)
PAPYRUS provides advice and support for young people thinking about suicide to stay safe for now, and all their advice is confidential. They also offer guidance for concerned others and a debriefing service. You can: Call their helpline, HOPELINE247, on 0800 068 4141
Access support from a trained Shout Volunteer by texting the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258