The Physical Activity Team at the West London Mental Health Trust have run hospital-based football sessions for many years that are very popular and adherence rates are particularly high among young male patients with mental health problems.
However, once these individuals leave hospital and engage back into community living, it is apparent that there is a limited sport service available to them.
To help bridge the gap between hospital and community living, to break down barriers of stigma and promote social inclusion within the community, a partnership with QPR FC was formulated in August 2006.
The scheme initially offered community patients and hospital patients with town leave a two hour training session on a Friday morning led by professional QPR football coaches.
The session proved to be very popular and the number of patients attending steadily increased. Not only were the fitness and skill levels amongst the players improving dramatically but the enjoyment and fun they were getting from the session was plain to see.
With high attendance and many players showing good commitment to the project we decided to enter the Positive Mental Attitude League (PMA), an FA affiliated league designed for adults who have experienced acute or enduring mental health problems.
The team entered the PMA league under the name of 'QRR Ealing', capturing the essence of the partnership.
The patients continued to train each week and played a competitive league match each month. Although it was QPR Ealings first season in the league, the team battled hard and showed tremendous determination in all their matches and finished in second place only a point behind the winners.
This is a major achievement for QPR Ealing as second place ensures qualification for a mental health football tournament in Europe next year.
QPR FC has provided professional coaching, training facilities and kit for the players this season. Without the support from a professional club this project would not have been the success it is today.
The partnership between the West London Mental Health Trust and QPR FC has helped many young people particularly men who shy away from services to become more physically active and engage in the community which is helping to promote their recovery.
When I asked the patients about the project here is what they said: "Its fun, I really enjoy playing and it gives me something to look forward to".
"I love being part of a team and I've made so many friends. I can't wait to play in Europe!"
Having managed QPR Ealing and worked alongside the QPR coaching team of Anthony Doherty and Mark Dowarris this season, I have seen that Football does not only promote positive mental health and well being but also changes negative barriers that have surrounded mental health in our society.
To conclude, through the 'Power of Football' this project has and will continue to develop and encourage individuals to take up healthier lifestyles whilst also addressing wider issues relating to social inclusion, rehabilitation and well being.
Emma McIntosh
QPR Ealing Manager
Physical Activity Advisor
West London Mental Health Trust
