We provide vital assistance during their playing careers and long afterwards, through medical funding, crisis support and personal development programmes – because being a cricketer means being part of a family that always looks out for its own.
FREE SERVICE
24/7 Confidential Helpline
The PCA runs a free, confidential helpline funded by The Cricketers’ Trust, available to all PCA members whenever they need it most. Simply call 07780 008 877.
Launched in 2005, the helpline is used by past and present professional cricketers across England and Wales who want to speak in complete confidence with a qualified counsellor or therapist. Whether it’s struggles with alcohol, drugs, gambling, bereavement, depression, or any personal challenge – help is just a phone call away.
The helpline is staffed by experienced professionals who understand the unique pressures of the game. But it doesn’t have to be your first call.
No matter your age or situation, any PCA member is welcome to reach out to a PCA employee, who can connect you to the right support immediately. If a member is in crisis or serious danger, help can be with them within hours.
We encourage current and former players to utilise this service and never delay. There’s no such thing as a time waster when it comes to this service.
Medical and Financial Assistance
The Cricketers’ Trust funds vital equipment and support for those facing serious life challenges. We’ve funded urgent medical procedures and remedial physiotherapy, helping individuals get back on their feet after injury or illness.
No struggle is too small and no challenge is too great. If you or someone you know needs help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Mind Matters
Launched in 2012, Mind Matters was created to break the silence around mental health in professional cricket.
Funded by The Cricketers’ Trust, this powerful series of tutorials helps players recognise the signs of anxiety, depression and addiction in themselves and in others.
Covering everyday stressors, substance misuse, gambling and alcohol dependency, the tutorials equip players with the tools to understand, manage and where to seek help if necessary for mental health challenges.
Thrive Wellbeing App
Originally launched in 2014, the Thrive wellbeing app has been created and developed with the support of UK psychologists and psychiatrists as a proactive resource to aid health and wellbeing of PCA members, and to help them deal with everyday stresses of life on and off the pitch.
The platform was updated in 2021 to provide access to qualified therapists through the app itself. It is available to all PCA members free of charge, and is clinically proven to help manage stress and mental health using simple, accessible, everyday tools.
For more information on the Cricketers’ Trust contact Ian Thomas on 07920575578 or email ian.thomas@professionalcricketerstrust.org
Personal Development & Wellbeing Support
The Cricketers’ Trust works closely with the PCA’s team of nine-strong Personal Development and Welfare Managers (PDMs) help players throughout their careers while preparing them for life after cricket through their holistic work.
They recognise that cricket is likely to be the focus of the players’ lives, and so provide guidance on how to maximise their cricketing focus, whilst also fulfilling other areas of their life such as education and career.
The aim of the PDMs is to work closely with cricketers, coaches and support staff as part of an integrated team to minimise potential concerns, conflicts and distractions, all of which can be detrimental to a player’s performance, and at worst, may end a career prematurely.
Recent funding from the Cricketers’ Trust has ensured all county players have received education workshops on the risks of gambling and driving unsafely since the start of 2017. Also, all first-class academies, including the Senior England Women’s Academy have been educated on understanding their mental health through playing professional support thanks to the Trust after teaming up with mental health charity, Mind in 2018.
The Cricketers' Trust is always here - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We exist to protect the lifelong health and wellbeing of current and former professional cricketers and their families, however they need us and whenever they need us.
Whether it’s a personal crisis, medical emergency or just someone to talk to, our support is always confidential, always compassionate and always just a phone call away. Contact us in confidence so we can provide the help and support you need as quickly as possible.