One Game at a Time raises men’s mental health awareness

But weekly sessions in Warrington are helping to raise vital awareness of the importance of men’s mental health and shatter the stigma that surrounds it.

One Game at a Time was created to allow a safe space for men who suffer from mental ill-health to discuss their worries in a friendly environment.

It has gone from strength to strength since it was set up in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, and it has even led to a quarterly cup competition.

One man heavily involved in the running of the sessions is Dave Smith, founder and managing director of Enjoy Football CIC, which runs a variety of football classes.

“Enjoy Football CIC has been going for around four years now, but we were contacted by a man who was having mental health problems and wanted to become less socially isolated,” he said.

Men across Warrington take part in the Elephant Cup tournament to raise men's mental health awareness

“He was interested in football, but there was nothing in Warrington for someone to drop-in to build up confidence and talk to someone – sessions are either organised by clubs or a group of workmates.

“We decided that was the way forward, and that something that needed to be done.”

When funding became available, the One Game at a Time project was created, and after a delay due to the first Covid lockdown, sessions started in October last year.

Drop-in sessions are held every Friday evening between 7.30pm and 8.30pm at Bank Quay Sports Club, with all welcome to join.

“We encourage anyone who has got a mental health issue to turn up, no matter how small, and even if people might not realise they have one,” Dave continued.

Men across Warrington take part in the Elephant Cup tournament to raise men's mental health awareness

“If someone needs some help and wants to play football, we are here.

“The purpose of the session is to get guys who are suffering to come along and play without any pressure and talk to like-minded guys.

“If we can get men to engage and talk about any issues, we can hopefully signpost them to mental health groups we work in tandem with who can help them further.”

As well as regular sessions, there is also a quarterly competition which sees some of the towns men's mental health groups compete in a friendly tournament called the Elephant Cup.

This also seeks to raise awareness in Warrington about mental ill-health and the elephant in the room – suicide prevention – hence the name of the tournament.

Teams involved include Talk Hub, Offload, Directions for Men, Onein3, Recovery All Stars and Enjoy Football.

Men across Warrington take part in the Elephant Cup tournament to raise men's mental health awareness

“The purpose of the event is to see guys celebrate overcoming the regular challenges they face, and also to raise awareness of men’s mental ill-health the prevention of suicide,” Dave added.

“Football is a recognised tool for bringing people together, and while blokes do not talk about much, they are more likely to do so in an environment they feel comfortable in.

“Warrington is massively rich in terms of what it does for mental health, and there is a wealth of opportunities for men to go along, do anything and get help.

“This is something we should be massively proud of.”

For more information, simply turn up to one of the sessions or search for @EnjoyFootballUK #OneGameAtaTime on Twitter.