Former Chelsea footballer named as charity ambassador for The Kaleidoscope Plus Group
A former Chelsea footballer has been named as the ambassador for a mental health and wellbeing charity based in the Black Country.
Paul Canoville, who was the club's first ever black player when he signed in 1981, has partnered with The Kaleidoscope Plus Group.
The West Bromwich-based charity helps thousands of people across the UK each year and offers a range of services for people in need.
Mr Canoville, who scored 15 goals in 103 games before retiring, faced severe racism in his five years at the club– including from his own fans.
He is a prominent anti-racism campaigner and runs the successful Paul Canoville Foundation which works to help young people in London.
The former Chelsea winger said: "Mental health is such an important issue, so I was delighted to see the hugely valuable work of The Kaleidoscope Plus Group and become an ambassador for them.
“It has never been more vital than now, during the current Covid-19 pandemic and as we start to come out of lockdown, that people get the support they need. I want to lend my support because I know what incredible work KPG do to help people access high quality services. I am really looking forward to working with the team.”
The footballer, now 59, joins a list of ambassadors for the charity including Two Pints star Will Mellor, Death in Paradise actor Ralf Little and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Romaine Sawyers.
Earlier this year the Mr Canoville was admitted to hospital in a critical condition after complications arose following surgery. Canoville is now on the road to recovery after beating Covid-19 twice and spending six weeks in intensive care.
Monica Shafaq, CEO of The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, said: "I am delighted to welcome Paul to The Kaleidoscope Plus Group as our latest ambassador. He is a huge supporter of our mission and is committed to helping us get people talking about mental health and end the stigma.
"We launched our Charity Ambassador Programme last year with the aim of appointing a range of different people who are passionate about mental health to ensure we can reach out and offer support to as many people as possible. Paul has lived experience of mental health and is passionate about the cause. We are truly honoured to have him on board with us at Team KPG and looking forward to doing some great work together."
