From 4-8 April, the English Football League (EFL) will launch its first ever Week of Action.
All 72 Clubs and Club Community Organisations will showcase activity with EFL players and managers joining participants across England and Wales.
To celebrate the week, Walsall FC Community Programme will be highlighting the positive impact their sessions have had on mental health within the local community.
Every Wednesday morning you will find the Banks’s Stadium AstroTurf in high spirits as individuals across the Walsall area gather to participate in the weekly ‘Beat the Block’ mental health session.
In partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, and linking with local organisations, such as Walsall Rethink and Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust, our Beat the Block programme aims to utilise the power of football to improve the mental health of adults.
Regular participant Maurice shared his thoughts:
“In October last year I went through a bad patch and I did try and commit suicide. That’s when it hit home that there were issues there, so I started doing something about it.”
“I look forward to ‘Beat the Block’ sessions every Wednesday. Not just getting out there and exercising, but also seeing that there are other people in the same position helps too.”
“It’s that camaraderie you have with each other. You can get out there, kick a ball about and it’s really good fun.”
Participants enjoy a one hour football session run by Walsall Football Club Community Programme staff, before up to a 30 minute social in the community room. In this safe and friendly environment, they can chat to coaches, each other, and mental health professionals.
Anyone who feels that they would benefit from joining us is free to come along, to get involved please contact Health Officer Chris Springthorpe at chris.springthorpe@walsallfc.co.uk.