Free walk and talk sessions for men in Shiregreen

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club (SWFC) is working to support men in the Shiregreen area through its new walk and talk project.

The sessions, delivered by staff and volunteers from the club with funding from social housing provider Sanctuary, take place at the Shiregreen Neighbourhood Centre, from 11.30am to 1pm on Tuesdays.

The goal is to give men from the Shiregreen area a route to improving their mental and physical health. Sessions offer a social outlet, with peer-to-peer support and help from sports professionals.

Each week will start with a chat, a catch-up on the week’s football and some nutrition and health advice, then participants will either do some indoor exercise or go out for a walk around Shiregreen. Future activities will include visits to SWFC stadium and longer trips out in the club’s minibus.

Rob Ward, SWFC’s health officer, said: “Our community team at Sheffield Wednesday has recognised the power it has to engage with a male audience, and we have designed an interactive journey of support specifically for men.

“Led by ex-professionals, our activity sessions will be built around a love of football. Whether a Wednesday supporter or just an individual who enjoys the game, all will be catered for in a 90-minute ‘banter and bonding’ session.”

The group is well supported by current and former players, including ex-striker John Pearson, who now works for the club’s community programme.

John added: “Rob and I have been helping people get healthier for around five years now – not only physically, but mentally too. It’s something that I really enjoy, and I feel really fortunate to be involved in this new project.”

According to recent studies by mental health charity Mind, the number of men feeling worried or low has increased at double the rate of women over the last decade, with two in five men now admitting to regularly feeling worried or low.

Sanctuary’s neighbourhood partnerships manager, Melanie King, said: “It’s never been so important to support men’s mental health. We’re delighted to be supporting this project, working with the team at SWFC and making these engaging support sessions accessible to the Shiregreen community.”