A group to promote mental health wellbeing in boys and men is using football to get them talking.
Talking Football was set up to break down barriers to seeking help for mental health issues and to help signpost people to services which can help.
Talking Football provides what it describes as a 'friendly, accessible mental wellbeing and physical activity programme', with opportunities to meet other people.
The group meets every Monday evening at Blackrod Sports and Community Centre to play football for fun from 6pm-7pm.
Talking Football recently held a charity match to raise money for Manchester Mind and other local projects.
More than £7,000 was raised in total, with £5,540 having been raised before a ball was even kicked.
The charity match was held between the Blackrod Talking Football team and the Old Rivingtonians U-17s.
Medals and a winning trophy were presented by Cllr Susan Baines, Mayor of Blackrod, to all players. The Talking Football team won the match.
Talking Football founder Steve Bell, who set up the team with support from Blackrod Sports and Community Centre, said:
“This is absolutely incredible; this shows what a fantastic community we live in. I think it is so important for the younger generation to be aware and help with mental health and through this match we can start to build a strong network of support for men and boys.
“When I planned this event, I hoped to raise enough to buy a new bench for Blackrod but with the amount we have raised so far, I think we can be a bit more ambitious.”
Cllr Baines, said: “The work Steve and the team have put into making this event such a success is incredible. The match was great, and everyone here seemed to really enjoy it.”
“As lead for health and wellbeing at the council, mental health comes into my portfolio and supporting projects such as this is essential. It just goes to show that citizens can be inspired to address such issues and raise the profile of men’s mental health.
“I wish Steve and the team all the very best going forward and have already invited him to present his work to our Mental Health and Wellbeing Board at Bolton Council.
“I would ask that any men, whatever their age or circumstances join this group and get the support, company, and friendship to help them. I am proud to be the mayor of such a caring and supportive village.”
David Holden-Locke, Chief Executive of the Blackrod Sports and Community Centre Charity, said:“Many local companies and families supported the match and fundraising efforts, and the kindness and spirit in Blackrod is just amazing. We are hoping to build on the success of this Group and introduce more activities and support sessions in coming months.”
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