News and media releases from the Surrey Heartlands area
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Surrey kicks off free football sessions for mental wellbeing
Free kick around sessions for adults experiencing mental health problems are being held in Surrey thanks to funding from the Mental Health Investment Fund.
Sport in Mind, a charity that uses sport and physical activity to support people experiencing mental health challenges, has received £73,394 from the Surrey Mental Health Investment Fund to help run its sessions across the area
The charity offers inclusive, welcoming sessions for anyone aged 17+, regardless of age, gender, mobility, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. Whether you’ve had a referral, a self-referral, or no formal diagnosis at all – you’re welcome.
Amy Wright, Senior Development Officer for Sport in Mind and one of the facilitators of the sessions, said:
We use sport and physical activity to help people experiencing mental health problems. We deliver sport sessions across the South of the UK every week for people to come along, play sport and reap the benefits from being active and social.
The impact a session can have on someone is profound; we have seen individuals come into a session very quiet and reserved and by the end of the session they are laughing and socialising with new friends.
In the lead up to Mental Health Awareness Week, Executive Director for Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care system and Councillor Mark Nuti joined players on Thursday 1 May to witness and experience the benefits of the sessions first hand.
Jack Wagstaff, Executive Director of Strategic Commissioning at Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB), said:
Sport in Mind is a fantastic initiative, and it gives us a real opportunity to help people with mental health difficulties in a different, non-clinical way. Getting people out socialising, exercising and growing in confidence - you can really see the positive impact it is having on their mental wellbeing.
We have adults from all backgrounds and of all ages taking part. The sessions are a great way to get out and meet new people. It was a really great day with a fantastic group of people.
Councillor Mark Nuti, Surrey County Councils Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Public Health, said:
Sport in mind is fantastic for people who may just need a little bit of help, want to play sport, have a laugh, have some exercise and form new friendships.
Its great people can come together with a common goal and a common cause. It’s been 20 years since I’ve played football, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part - it’s been superb.
All groups meet weekly in a safe, relaxed environment, and sessions are free to attend, drop-in friendly, and delivered by qualified local coaches. They run for 50 weeks of the year and offer a brilliant opportunity to get moving and meet others in a supportive setting.
To find out more, including session times and locations across Surrey, visit Sport in Mind’s Activity Map.