Working with young men aged 18 years plus who have experienced social, psychological and practical barriers to employment, MIND has provided a programme which will provide people with psychological skills, understanding of problems and how to change expectations and subsequently change their life.

The 'On Target' project provided weekly fitness sessions and football training/coaching, introducing key agencies who provided health, employment and social support.

The outcome at the end of the project is a guaranteed interview with Hartlepool Borough Council's Intermediate Labour Market Programme.

All clients registering onto the programme had a commitment to:

·Attend the full 8 week programme
·Attend all 1 to 1 group sessions
·Develop positive psychological skills to influence and motivate others and themselves
·Complete the two national recognised qualifications which are Mindfields College in Psychological Skills
·Job ready at the end of the project

Each week external agencies provided motivational presentations to the group:

·Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation
·Dietician/Nutritionist
·Progression to work
·Connexions
·Jobcentre Plus
·Tees Valley Works

The course was delivered over a two month period with sessions of eight hours per week over two days.

As sport and healthy living is an integral part of the programme football training and fitness were twice a week for the group.

The finale of the 8-week programme resulted in a competitive football match and post match celebrations at Grayfields in Hartlepool.