ACCORDING to Mind UK approximately 1 in 4 adults in England experience a mental health issue annually with the number increasing 45% from 1993 to 2024 and the number of suicides being at its highest in 2023 since 1999.
The demographic that is most affected is young adults between 18 and 35 with over 20% of young people having a probable mental disorder and suicides being the leading cause of death for young people reaching over 6000 deaths in 2023 where all cases were heavily linked with mental health issues.
Despite these worrying statistics under 50% of adults with mental health disorders were accessing treatment due to the difficult in getting any treatment as well as the lack of help without having to pay.
However, science has found a way to help with these issues within our communities and that is through exercise and socialising in groups.
Speaking to Jacob Greaves, a local player in 7-a-side football scheme located at St Marks C of E school he believes “it’s nice to have that wind down time, after a long shift.”
Being able to either play a sport or go to a gym with a friend or group of people can significantly help with people that suffer with mental health problems and gives them an opportunity to talk to people when they may not have had this opportunity before.
Speaking to a member of a local 7-a-side football scheme located at St Marks C of E school he believes “its nice to have that wind down time, after a long shift.”
“its great to come here, get your mind off everything.”
Solent university student, Matt lane also played with his new team in the league for the first time and believed its a good opportunity.
” its good fun really, chance to make new mates, get out the house more, improve my fitness.”
Being able to either play a sport or go to a gym with a friend or group of people can significantly help with people that suffer with mental health problems and gives them an opportunity to talk to people when they may not have had this opportunity before.
Below is our package where we spoke to these players and had a look at the Monday 7-a-side league.
Check back later…
