SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is pleased the club are again highlighting the importance of mental health awareness this weekend.

The Shrimpers clash with Maidenhead United at Roots Hall is the club’s designated ‘Match for Mind’ this season.

And Maher believes it is a hugely important issue.

“It’s something that’s grown since I was a player,” said Maher.

“It’s something everyone is more aware of and should be too.

“The club have done a brilliant job with that.

“I look at what the club has been through the last year to 18 months with the ups and downs and what you have to deal with on a daily basis as well.

“You don’t have time to sit and reflect and probably there are probably times where I’ve had to go and speak to people about what goes on, just away from here.

“It affects you and you probably don’t realise it.”

But Maher is not alone in feeling that way.

“It’s a huge part of every day life for a lot of people and it’s important to bring awareness to the forefront,” said Maher.

“I’m really pleased the club are doing work towards it and it’s something that should be at the forefront of people’s minds.”

Southend’s players will be warming up this weekend’s game wearing t-shirts showing the South East and Central Essex Mind logo on them.

The t-shirts have been supplied by the Shrimpers Trust and some will be auctioned off after the game to raise money for Mind.

Ahead of the game, Echo reporter Chris Phillips will be sitting on every seat inside Roots Hall to also raise funds for the charity and will be joined by Shrimpers club legends along the way.

The morning of the match will see Blues fan Mike Edwards join fellow supporters and club staff in a sponsored 5km run around the Roots Hall pitch before eight members of the Shrimpers squad face off in a darts competition on Tuesday night.

George Moncur is one among those swapping sports and is keen to do what he can to raise awareness and funds for mental health issues.

“If you’re not happy off the pitch it’s difficult to go and perform at the weekend.” said Moncur.

“No matter what age you are and what background you’ve come from it’s very important to make sure everyone is alright. If I can try and lift people’s spirits that’s what life is about.”

Fans can donate via buckets ahead of this weekend’s game or by clicking here.