25% of people will experience a mental health problem every year, men are significantly more likely to not access any support if they are living with a mental health problem and 75% of suicides are male.
Men Talk Sport is a men’s Mental Health programme, created by men for men that aims to work with men to reduce the stigma around mental health conditions.
Working in partnership with Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership Trust, Coventry & Warwickshire Recovery Academy, and It Takes Balls to Talk, Men Talk Sport delivers 6 week courses for men who want to explore physical and mental health, learn about coping strategies that support mental wellbeing, and have fun with a range of physical activities.
Each session is tailored to the needs of the men attending and a typical course includes topics around stress and anxiety management, coping strategies, the impact of food on mood, and mindfulness, along with football, walking, and functional fitness activities.
Dave, a beneficiary said: “I came on this course to learn about how to manage my health better and meeting the players today has just made my day. Come on this course, it is absolutely fantastic; I am going to go home so happy tonight.”
Nathan Isom, Health Manager said: “Men Talk Sport is an innovative way of working with men to break down stigma around mental health and to get men talking. Suicide is the most common cause of death in men aged 20-49 years and the simple act of talking about it significantly reduces that likelihood.
"We have already seen significant rises in self-esteem for the beneficiaries on our courses and when you make someone smile, then you know they have improved their mental health. That is the power of Men Talk Sport.”
For more information on Men Talk Sport, or to register for the next course, contact the Health Manager on 02476 786314 or Nathan.isom@ccfc.co.uk.
Members of the Sky Blues squad visited the project last week - you can see how their visit went in the video below...