Richard Luscombe We are proud to announce the launch of a brand-new mental health football session in Cornwall: Argyle’s Talk & Tackle Programme.
Our sessions are for anyone who is struggling with their mental health and aim to prevent any further deterioration, to the point where they could potentially become suicidal.
By using the power of football to get people active and talking, we aim to abolish the thought process long before any attempts are made.
Aimed at males 18+, sessions will contain social football followed by conversation and support with our Argyle Community Coaches.
All you need to bring are shin pads, a drink, and some trainers!
Sessions will be held once a week, 48 times a year, and will be open to 20 participants for each week. Participants can sign up voluntarily or be recommended by family, friends, or organisations.
Funded by Cornwall Community Foundation, The Talk & Tackle Programme will be split over two locations in Cornwall. The first centre will be in East Cornwall at Launceston College Sports Hall (PL15 9JR) every Monday, and the second will be in West Cornwall at Cornwall College Cambourne every Tuesday and supported by Ergo Barber Lounge.
A spokesperson from Ergo Brothers said: “We believe there is strength in sharing and together with Argyles Talk & Tackle programme, men can build resilience and break the silence. We look forward to working with Argyle Community Trust to support the local area.”
Gary Jeffery Regional Manager added: “I’m delighted that Ergo Brothers will help support and share opportunities for male adults to come and play football and share any problems they may have. Working together to provide a very important service in the area.”
Our first sessions will be held at:
- Launceston College Sports Hall from 6pm-7pm on Monday, 6 January for East Cornwall.
- Cornwall College Cambourne from 8:30-9:30pm on Tuesday, 7 January for West Cornwall.
On the new programme, Health and Wellbeing Manager, Ben Kerswell, said: “Our new Talk and Tackle programme will aim to tackle the stigma of men’s mental health by giving men a place to talk, bond, and get physically and mentally fit by participating in weekly football sessions.
We hope to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable community environment to allow men in the local community to gain support before any mental health challenges escalate any further.
We will use playing football in a relaxed, social environment as a vehicle to start what are often difficult conversations and engage with local mental health charities to provide further wellbeing support for those that attend.”
So why are we doing this?
Suicide is a serious public health problem which affects all corners of the globe.
More than 720,000 die due to suicide every year: it is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds and for every death, many more people attempt suicide.
Every suicide leaves devastation in its path and has long-term effects on the people left behind.
We urge anyone who is having suicidal thoughts to talk to someone and seek support. Alternatively, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.
If you think this programme would be beneficial for yourself, a friend, a family member or a colleague, please contact:
East Cornwall & North Devon: Gary.Jeffery@pafc.co.uk
West Cornwall: Liam.chinn@pafc.co.uk
“Argyle Talk and Tackle – Tackle the stigma and Kick Start the conversation”
