Pools Play For Life Sessions

World Suicide Prevention Day, HUCSF wishes to remind fans of our free service

available to men aged 20-59.

Thanks to funding from Tees Suicide Prevention Task Force, our Pools Play for Life initiative provides free football coaching aimed at promoting the benefits of physical activity on mental health.

No referral is needed, but we work closely with Andy's Man Club and Hartlepool and East Durham Mind to signpost participants towards additional support available as well as ensuring that our staff receive training on mental health.

Statistics

show that the North East has the highest rate of suicide in England. Nationwide,

75% of suicides in 2017 were male and suicide remains

the most common cause of death in men aged 20-49

The

group runs every Thursday from 5:30pm-7:00pm at Throston Youth Project,

Wiltshire Way, Hartlepool, TS26 0TB.

Studies show that exercise can treat mild to

moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication—but without the

side-effects, of course. In addition to relieving depression symptoms, research

also shows that maintaining an exercise schedule can prevent you from relapsing.

Research shows that physical exercise can benefit your mental health by:
Reduced anxiety and happier moods
Reduced feelings of stress
Clearer thinking
A greater sense of calm
Reduced risk of depression

There are also social and emotional benefits:
Making friends and connecting with people
Having fun
Challenging stigma and discrimination.

Sport and physical activity can help in tacking

other health issues associated with mental health problems. People with mental

health problems are statistically:

More likely to be obese
Have 2-4 times greater risk of cardiovascular disease
Have 2-4 times greater risk of diabetes

Foundation Manager Keith Nobbs said, “We understand

that men are less likely to talk about their problems than women, but with an

estimated 3.5millions fans globally, football is a way to unite men and start

them having a conversation.

“Research from Mind released in July 2018 as part

of their new partnership with the EFL shows that over half of people (56

percent) agree that football fans find it easier to show their emotions at

football matches than at any other time. We need to encourage this showing of

emotions in all areas of life.”

For more information on our Pools Play For Life sessions, contact HUCSF on 01429 862595 or email hucsf@hartlepoolunited.co.uk.

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