Barnsley football tournament to mark World Mental Health Day

In support of this year’s World Mental Health Day service user football teams who use mental health services provided by the NHS are being invited to take part in a 7-a-side football tournament at Barnsley Football Club.

Organised by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and hosted by Barnsley FC, the event aims to get new and existing teams together to meet new people and play football.

Exercising, the opportunity to meet new people and confidence building are just a few of the many benefits that can be had by taking part in a sport such as football and help support a person’s rehabilitation process.

World Mental Health Day is an event that takes place each year on 10th October to raise public awareness about mental health issues. The day promotes more open discussion of mental health problems, and services available in prevention and treatment.

It is hoped sporting events like this will help emphasise how beneficial sport is to mental health and wellbeing and how good it is for self esteem and social inclusion. This latest tournament will send out a positive message combating the negative stigma of mental illness at the same time as helping service users on their road to recovery.

Hannah Geal, the Trust’s recovery and wellbeing sports lead in Barnsley, said, “We hope this event raises awareness of mental health issues, reduces stigma and promotes wellbeing. We know that physical activity and social inclusion all make a big difference to wellbeing so many activities across the Trust concentrate on these areas. This is also a great opportunity for people who use services to be part of something positive."

The football tournament takes place on Friday 14th October at Barnsley Football Club (outdoor astroturf pitch) commencing at 10.30am. Presentations will be made to the winner at 3.30pm.