Visit from Wes Streeting MP

Participants of Coping Through Football had a very pleasant surprise when Wes Streeting, Member of Parliament for Ilford North popped in last Thursday to see one of the sessions at Fairlop Oak Playing Field. He was welcomed to the session by representatives from the three project partners: Alex Welsh of London Playing Fields Foundation, Sue Tatch of NELFT and Howard Gould of Leyton Orient Trust.

His visit was well received by the group as it provided them with an opportunity to speak about local NHS and Council services. He was interested to learn about their experiences of local services and how the Coping Through Football project had helped them. The participants spoke of their improved fitness levels, increased confidence and self-esteem and success in securing volunteering and employment opportunities.

He said:

“It was really inspiring to visit Coping Through Football at Fairlop Oak Playing Field.

“Combining sporting charities and the NHS to help people with mental health issues is something unique which I believe other areas could learn from.

“Sport has the power to bring people together, create friendships and improve health. The team should be very proud of the great work they are doing.”

Alex Welsh, Sonia Smith, Wes Streeting & Sue Tatch