‘Football’s helped us

Sport helping people with severe mental health issues

ACROSS Dundee, supporters are passionate about football — and it seems the beautiful game is winning over a whole new legion of fans.

A study by Abertay University has found that sport can play a key role in helping people recover from severe mental health issues.

Researchers were looking at the Football Therapy project which is already running in the city.

It has proved so successful that a move to expand the scheme to include netball and volleyball is being considered.

The Tele went along to the Ardler Complex to meet a group of people with severe mental health issues and learn a bit more.

Mark Holme, 66, from Birkhill was a social worker and mental health worker until he was diagnosed with bipolar disease around 2000.

He said if it wasn’t for the walking football group at Ardler he would spend most of his days staring at the walls at home.

Mark said: “Coming here has been fantastic and has been part of my journey towards recovery.

“Here you meet people with the same concerns about mental health and who understand what you’re going though. Not only are you getting physical exercise — which is known to help with mental health — but the social and support aspect is also amazing.

“Most of all, it gets me out of the house. There are days when the four walls come in on you but this gives you something to look forward to.”

Elspeth Walker, 56, from Broughty Ferry, is a volunteer with the group.

She has also suffered from years of mental ill health and takes part in the walking football sessions.

Elspeth said: “When you’re here everybody just accepts you for what

Players taking part in Football Therapy.