CONTEXT:
Our mental health and well-being impacts upon our everyday lives and is becoming a growing concern for young people. The ‘Wingate & Finchley FC Disabled Fans Forum’ supported by Fans for Diversity and Freedom for Minds is an initiative set-up by Manisha Tailor MBE. It is designed to promote an active, healthy and an independent lifestyle for adults suffering from mental illness.

PROVISION AIMS:
• A safe environment that fosters confidence, motivation and the feeling of self-worth.
• A football/sport session once a week that is fun and focuses on engagement, positive participation, team work and communication.
• Free access to Wingate & Finchley FC home games where participants and fans can enjoy watching a live fixture and support their local football club

KEY FACTS:
• Young people and adults need support and intervention to support their mental wellness in a safe and inclusive environment.
• In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression)
• How people cope with mental health problems is getting worse as the number of people who self-harm or have suicidal thoughts is increasing.
• In the UK approximately 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year

CURRENT PROVISION REVIEW (2015 – 2018):
• 396 hours of project delivery
• 960 project participants reached

IMPACT ON ORGANISATIONS AND PARTICIPANTS:

“To be able to come out and integrate and to feel like a valued member of our society is a good thing” (Chuks – support worker)

“I owe a lot to Manisha and this project. I like playing football and this helps me get out of my flat”. (OA - participant)