Chester FC Mental Health & Wellbeing Football is an award-winning programme supporting men and women who have experienced a mental health problem.
 
Weekly football sessions run in Chester and Ellesmere Port with two teams representing Chester FC competes in the Cheshire Ability Counts Football League with participants invited to attend Chester FC matches as a reward for their involvement in the project
 
Delivered with support from the NHS and forfutures, the project aims to reduce social isolation and offers participants opportunities to make friends and keep fit in a welcoming environment and talk about their problems without stigma, seek advice and access additional support. In addition to physical health benefits, evidence shows regular exercise is beneficial for mental health and well-being too, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, increase self-esteem and reduce risk of depression.
 
These sessions have been made possible thanks a Magic Little Grant through the partnership between Localgiving and Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, a grant-giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and previous grants from The National Lottery Community Fund, Toyota Manufacturing UK and the Grow the Game scheme, which is funded by The Football Association and delivered by the Football Foundation.

If you would like to make a donation to help towards the costs of Chester FC Mental Health & Wellbeing Football sessions, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/chesterfc-communitytrust.