Changing Lives Through Sport; Positive Mental Attitude Sports Project
This project's parent organization is The Positive Mental Attitude Sports Foundation Trust
It operates in United Kingdom
It uses Football (Soccer)
Entered the Sport For Social Inclusion Award
More about Changing Lives Through Sport; Positive Mental Attitude Sports Project
Mental illness is a global health concern. It is anticipated that over 450,000,000 people worldwide have a diagnosable mental health condition (DMHC/MHC). 25% of British adults experience at least one DMHC each year. Mental illness is the single-largest cause of disability in the UK resulting in individuals being isolated from the communities where they live.
Those with complex MHCs leaving hospital-care have few structured/supported opportunities to engage with their communities. They experience stigmatization/discrimination/isolation. These combined negative experiences restrict their chances for a sustained long-term recovery and isolate mentally ill people further. PMA bridges the gap between hospital-care and community life, using sport/football as a hook and primary tool, engaging adults with complex MHC’s in a range of services/activities designed to positively transform their lives.
Individuals join a PMA Club, participate in a league, adopt a volunteer role, attend workshops and play an active part in club life. Within this model, PMA works with individuals to:
- Understand/manage their conditions.
- Improve their lifestyles, physical/mental health and self-esteem.
- Overcome stigmatisation/exclusion/isolation.
- Make friends.
- Integrate within their club/community.
- Make positive choices about their future.
- Engage/re-engage in education, training, volunteering/employment.
- Raise awareness/understanding of MHCs amongst the sporting/wider community.