A Wirral-based initiative is using football to provide a crucial support system for men facing mental health challenges. Wirral Football Therapy, organised by the Mersey Mind Project, offers free weekly sessions that combine physical activity with a safe space for conversation, helping to address the high rates of male suicide and the stigma surrounding men's mental wellbeing.
Key Takeaways
- Wirral Football Therapy provides free football sessions to support men's mental health.
- Participants report significant improvements in confidence, reduced feelings of isolation, and stronger social connections.
- The initiative, run by the Mersey Mind Project, aims to tackle the stigma around men seeking help.
- The project is expanding to include new non-football drop-in sessions in Moreton to offer wider support.
A Simple Game with a Serious Purpose
For many men, discussing mental health can be a significant hurdle. Wirral Football Therapy uses the universal appeal of football to create a relaxed and informal environment where these difficult conversations can begin. The focus isn't on athletic skill but on camaraderie and mutual support.
The weekly kickabout serves as an entry point, allowing participants to connect through a shared interest. This often leads to deeper friendships and provides a vital lifeline for those who feel isolated. The project's core idea is that early intervention and social connection are critical tools in preventing mental health crises.
A Critical Issue
According to official statistics, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK. Initiatives like Wirral Football Therapy provide essential community-based support to address this ongoing public health concern.
Personal Stories of Transformation
The impact of the programme is best understood through the experiences of the men who attend. For many, the decision to join was a turning point, offering a path away from isolation and despair.
From Anxiety to Confidence
Ray Ferguson, a 19-year-old from Birkenhead, was struggling with severe anxiety before discovering the group. A difficult upbringing and bullying during his school years had left him feeling withdrawn.
"I didn’t go out before football. I felt useless and invisible - like I wasn’t enough for anyone," Ray explained. He admitted to being nervous before his first session but was quickly put at ease by the welcoming atmosphere.
"As soon as I’d met the lads and broken the ice a little, it was just normal. It was natural," he said. "My confidence has grown so much since joining. From the first session it just felt like home.”
Building Connections After a Move
James Lawrence, 40, found himself isolated after moving to the Wirral from Manchester nine years ago. Focusing entirely on his career, he had few social outlets and no local friends.
"I just dived head first into my career and didn’t really have an outlet for anything," James recalled. "When you move somewhere new and have no friends, you get into bad habits and end up keeping yourself to yourself."
After being encouraged to attend by the group's co-founder, Chris Guy, James found the community he had been missing. "It was incredible. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. To be really open and friendly with people I’d never met before, who’ve now become really good friends - through football - it’s amazing. It’s genuinely changed my life."
Finding Support Through Life's Changes
For 25-year-old Ryan Formston, the group provided stability during a period of immense change. After a difficult breakup in 2023 left him feeling suicidal, he became a new father the following year.
"Getting up every day and trying to carry on was a lot to deal with,” Ryan shared. He learned about Wirral Football Therapy after seeing a friend interviewed about it on television and decided to reach out.
"I phoned him up and asked about it. Ever since then, I haven’t looked back," Ryan said. "I feel so much calmer in myself. You find comfort in being around other people who go through the same things as you. It’s nice to talk openly where there’s no judgement - people just understand.”
Expanding Support Beyond the Pitch
Recognising the need for more diverse support options, the Mersey Mind Project is expanding its services. The organisation is launching new free drop-in sessions for men, providing a space to connect without the focus on football.
New Drop-In Sessions Information
- What: Informal drop-in sessions for men.
- Where: The Sandbrook Centre, Moreton.
- When: Tuesday nights, starting October 14, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Activities: Conversation, free refreshments, board games, and more.
These new meet-ups are designed to be welcoming and non-judgemental, offering another avenue for men to find community and support. The charity will also continue its popular football sessions in Prenton, as well as walk-and-talk events and group hikes.
For participants like Ray, the message is clear. "There’s still this big stigma about ‘manning up’ and ‘men shouldn’t cry’. Mersey Mind is the opposite of that," he stated. "Men can have feelings, men can cry, men can do whatever they need to get their feelings out."
The success of Wirral Football Therapy demonstrates that creating accessible, judgement-free spaces is a powerful way to help men look after their mental health and remember they are not alone. For more information, visit the Mersey Mind Project website.