Let’s Talk about Mental Health
In January the Coping Through Football Project was invited to present at a learning event organised by London FA – ‘Let’s Talk about Mental Health’.
The webinar was an opportunity for key organisations across different sectors to share their experiences of how football can support those living with mental health issues.
Coping Through Football’s (CTF) Peer Recovery Worker, Michael Winspear, gave an overview of the project, describing how he uses his own lived experience and personal recovery journey to support those attending the project.
The project demonstrates how two sporting charities, the London Playing Fields Foundation & Leyton Orient Trust, can work together with the NHS, to engage with and improve the wellbeing of adults and young people experiencing mental health issues.
Other speakers on the webinar spoke honestly and openly about their own lived experiences, with common themes arising from the presentations. Presenters described how the use of football as an activity creates a safe space for individuals experiencing mental health issues. With football providing a strong sense of inclusion & empowerment. What particularly resonated with our project was the power of football to connect with often marginalised communities. The project also looks to tackle health inequities whilst helping to reduce the sense of isolation.
Michael, describing the experience of presenting at the event, explained: ‘‘It was a privilege to be part of the discussion, amazing to hear the inspirational stories and hear how football can help with mental health issues and provide support in so many ways.”
Aquila Burgess, Football Development Manager – London FA, on the contributors remarked: ‘Really appreciated your honesty and inspiring stories which showcased how the power of football can truly have an impact on our lives. Each one of you is an inspiration to us all.’’
Other panellists included:
Sands United – the leading stillbirth & neonatal death charity in the UK, set up to support for dads and other bereaved family members to come together through a shared love of sport and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they’re ready.
CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably – the charity looks to take a stand against suicide by provoking conversation, running life-saving services and bring people together.
