A Good Shepherd group started attending Head 4 Health football at Aldersley Foundation Arena on Tuesday, but they now have their own session with P3 clients on a Thursday afternoon.

Football offers a valuable outlet for people going through difficult challenges in life by helping to improve the confidence and self-esteem of participants who would not otherwise have the opportunity.

“The guys who attended the Foundation’s Head 4 Health session really enjoyed the football and it’s great that there is also a session now including P3,” says Neil Booth, a project worker at Good Shepherd with a particular role in supporting ex-offenders.

“Football in itself is a sport that brings people together, there is a team ethic rather than an individual one and you can’t put a price on that.

“I have people coming from far across town to do the sessions – even in the wind and the rain – that’s what it matters to them.

“There are mixed skill levels among the players that show up, but no one is judging anyone else, and it’s all about encouragement.

“This partnership with the Wolves Foundation and the ability to offer these football sessions is absolutely invaluable to us.”

Ashley Langford, a mental health specialist liaison worker with P3, has also seen a change in those who are supported by the charity with the new football initiative.

He added, “Since P3 went to the Wolves Foundation with the Good Shepherd, I have seen an increase in positivity and morale between the people we work with, as well as new friendships.”

 Rachel Smith, head of health and wellness at the Foundation, confirmed that other activities could also be offered if the football is successful.

“We have already established a good working relationship with The Good Shepherd and P3 and it is good that we were able to welcome some of their service users to our football sessions,” says Rachel.

“There could be the possibility of adding other activities at a given time, for example a visit to a driving range or other similar opportunities, as well as the possibility of different workshops.

“We know that a lot of participants will have access to other services as well, so we need to make sure we don’t duplicate other activities, but we are happy to listen to add other initiatives if that can provide additional support. .

“There is an opportunity for us to work together and be led by the participants, and we know that football can provide the hook to help support people, including for the benefit of their mental and physical health. “

Head 4 Health is the pioneering project set up by the Foundation in March 2019 with funding from the Premier League & PFA Community Fund and the City of Wolverhampton Public Health and Wolverhampton CCG.

The program aims to improve men’s mental health and well-being based on statistics that show men are three times more likely to kill themselves than women and are much less likely to access help and support. available.

For more information on our Health & Wellness projects, follow @wwfcfoundation on social media and see our news page here.