The session will be inclusive of males from all backgrounds with the aim of reducing isolation and providing mild mental health benefits for participants, with the session to be delivered in a recreational capacity.

 

The partnership with the two local organisations will allow participants to develop a regular exercise routine, and mental health benefits as a result, with a weekly one-hour football session for men to come together through a combined love of football while being encouraged to support one another in a welcoming, relaxed and inclusive environment.

 

Those from the Football For Wellbeing session will also have the opportunity to access a Minds Matter mental health workshop through the programme, which will be delivered by the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, to allow participants to learn more about how they can support their own and others’ mental health.

 

The Football For Wellbeing session will be delivered from 11am until 12 noon every Tuesday on the astro-turf pitch at the Lancashire FA County Ground in Leyland.

 

PNECET Community Engagement Coordinator Alistair White said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and the Lancashire FA on the Football For Wellbeing programme to support men with their mental health.

 

“We hope that the session will provide men with an opportunity to overcome mild mental health concerns by engaging as part of a group and opening up with like-minded people.

 

“With the collective reach of Preston North End, the local county FA and our local NHS Foundation Trust, we hope that through this programme, we can make a difference to the mental health of as many men as possible as we continue to tackle some of the health inequalities across Preston.”

 

David Murphy of the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with Preston North End Community and Education Trust and Lancashire FA.

 

“We believe that through each of our organisations we can provide support for individuals to improve not only their physical health but their mental health and wellbeing as part of the larger programme to include workshops focused on wellbeing and peer support.

 

“We hope that as the Football for Wellbeing offer increases we will be able to engage with more people across our communities whose mental health is being impacted by isolation.”

 

Lancashire FA Football Development Officer Iain Mackie added: “Lancashire FA are proud to be working in partnership to bring this fantastic opportunity to The County Ground. If you’re sat at home looking for somewhere to play then this could be just the thing for you!

 

“No egos, no pressure, just a chance to meet like-minded people for a kickabout with the chance for a brew and a chat afterwards.”

 

The session will be delivered by staff from both Lancashire FA and PNECET and those wishing to take part can register their interest by visiting here.

 

For more information about the session or the Minds Matter workshop, please email Iain.Mackie@lancashirefa.com.