Published on: 13th March 2017
New community football sessions have been launched in Lincolnshire to help people tackle their mental health problems.
The ‘Just Turn Up, Positive Play’ sessions are being run by Lincolnshire Football Association (LFA) and endorsed by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT).
Aimed at adults who are looking to improve their mental health, the kick-abouts are suitable for all fitness levels - from beginners to more experienced players - and also offer a chance for people to socialise and make new friends.
Sessions are held every week at Rustons Sports and Social Club in Lincoln and Michelle Marshall, Football Development Officer at the LFA, said everyone is welcome to attend.
We’re looking to support people who want to improve their mental wellbeing through being more active, and playing football is social therapy at its best,
she said.
If they’re interested, all people need to do is turn up and we welcome those with mental health problems, their friends and relatives and also people with no medical diagnosis, who perhaps just want to find a new source of physical activity to help boost their own mental wellbeing.
Attendance at the sessions has increased over the past few weeks, thanks in no small part to the recent success of Lincoln City FC, who have just been crowned National League champions securing promotion back to the football league. They also made history this season by becoming the first non-league side to reach the FA Cup quarter final stages in over 100 years.
Everyone’s talking about football at the moment and our programme is great for beginners who may have been inspired by the Imps’ recent heroics,
added Michelle.
So come along and take part in some positive play and let’s all improve our mental wellbeing.
Nick Harwood, LPFT’s steps2change talking therapies Service Manager said:
The benefits of exercise to improve mental health are well documented, however projects like this provide so much more. The camaraderie and shared experience helps to increase confidence and self-esteem.
For more information on the sessions contact Michelle on 07813 458812 or email michelle.marshall@lincolnshirefa.com
