United Kingdom
Organisation: Newport County - County in the Community
Programme name: We Wear the Same Shirt
Country: Wales
City: Newport
Sport / Physical activity: The activities focus upon football and include specific training drills and working in a team, and provide social opportunities.
Programme information, aims and objectives: We Wear the Same Shirt programme delivers a comprehensive football training programme for people experiencing mental health issues and provides a nationwide campaign to combat the stigma against mental health and raise awareness of issues. The initiative was set up to create a place for adults with a mental health condition to play football and deal with their issues. It's free from the pressures of competition and offers a chance for people to get together, forget their worries and enjoy themselves. The participants are able to build confidence, make friends, and to be with people who have been through something similar.
Participants: Individuals are any age over 18 years (average 30 years), of any gender, and of any mental health disorder.
Sessions: The programme includes outdoor, group football sessions which are led by a coach/instructor. Sessions are run weekly, beginning at 1pm, last between 1 to 1.5 hours, and are continually run throughout the year. Generally, the intensity of a session is moderate, however this can fluctuate depending upon the personnel, while the aim is to increase the intensity to encourage improved fitness levels.
Evaluation/Measurement of outcomes: Observable outcomes and influences of the programme are varied, for example individuals who have taken part in the programme have: been realised from secure units; gained greater independence and reduced their need for external support; secured paid employment; improved relationships with friends and families; lost weight and improved physical fitness; and, improved confidence. Measurable evaluations of the programme are currently ongoing.
Further information: www.timetochangewales.org.uk/home/
