Beating the blue moods

A NOVEL way to help men suffering from low self esteem or depression will be launched at Oldham Athletic Football Club later this month.

“It’s a Goal” is an 11-week course which kicks off on February 15, and aims to help men aged 18 and over take control of the issues affecting their lives.

There are already a handful of people gathered on the sidelines ready to tackle their problems, but project coach, Bobby Greenwood, wants more men to come forward.

If there are too many for one course, a second will be held. The scheme wants to help men who feel alienated from mainstream mental health support services, with the emphasis on “being the best you can be.”

They could be at risk of descending into a downward spiral of depression arising from circumstances such as a relationship break-up, long-term unemployment, homelessness or the threat of bankruptcy.

But it can also help people ready to take the next step as they recover from drug or alcohol dependency, and aims to help people take control rather than focusing on the negative. The scheme enables “players” to work as a team as they talk about their anxieties and concerns, and to take practical positive steps to deal with difficult issues in their lives.

Using football terms and basing it at a football stadium aims to make men feel relaxed, and to inspire them to set and achieve personal goals, such as a return to work.

The course will run on Mondays from 1-3pm, and does not involve any physical football activity.

Similar courses are already under way at several football clubs including Manchester United.

To find out more and book a place, contact Bobby on 07976715269 or email bobby.greenwood@nacro.org.uk

The course is jointly funded by NHS Oldham, Oldham Council and NHS North West, and is not suited to people with severe depression or psychotic illness.