'Football has a unique way of bringing people together,' says former Larne and Northern Ireland star coaching patients in new mental health initiative
Former Larne and Northern Ireland footballer Jeff Hughes is helping to deliver a new coaching programme aimed at improving patient mental health.
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has launched the initiative with ex-Irish League players as part of its support for mental health service users.
Holywell Hospital patients are benefitting from the 12-week football programme following support from Charitable Trust Funds.
The sessions have been designed to provide patients with meaningful time away from the ward where they can engage in physical exercise, foster social connections and build resilience.
Ashleigh Moss, who is head of Mental Health Inpatient Services at Holywell Hospital, said: “Research has indicated that playing football can improve mental health as it increases the supply of serotonin, the hormones that make people feel happy.
"We know that playing football can also help reduce anxiety and stress and help with social isolation among other things.
“That is why it’s important that we can provide activities like this for those who use our services and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the support we received from Charitable Trust Funds.
“We would like to sincerely thank all those who contribute to Charitable Trust funds – your support is invaluable and makes a huge difference.”
The coaching sessions are being delivered by Jeff and fellow retired footballers David McDaid and Johnny McMurray, who are all fully qualified coaches.
Speaking after the first session, Jeff said: “These sessions are about much more than sport - football has a unique way of bringing people together. Through the coaching sessions, we can create a supportive space where people feel valued, included and empowered to take steps forward.
“It is something that lies close to my heart. I have always tried to do things around mental health because I know how important it is. There is still a stigma in society that men, in particular, can’t show any kind of weakness or admit to feeling low. But that shouldn’t be the case.
"Everyone should be encouraged to share their feelings without being judged and should be supported to do so. We have had a great session today and the feedback has been very encouraging.”
Across the Northern Trust, Charitable Trust Funds are used to deliver a wide range of activities, resources and equipment to enhance the experiences of patients, residents and clients which otherwise would not be possible.
Donations come from individuals, community groups, families, service users, sports clubs, schools and businesses, varying from £10 to thousands of pounds.
If you would like to make a donation to the Northern Trust’s Charitable Trust Funds, please email [email protected] or ring 028 2563 5333. Find out more about Charitable Trust Funds.
Jeff Hughes played for Northern Ireland, and at his hometown club Larne. He also spent time playing with a number of English clubs, including; Crystal Palace, Bristol Rovers and Notts County.
David McDaid has previously played for Glenavon, Coleraine, Cliftonville, Larne and Ballymena, while Johnny McMurray has spent time at Ballymena, Cliftonville, Larne and Warrenpoint Town.