Sunday Mail (UK)

Robbie hits right notet forf men’s’ healthh

- Jean on the show

Robbie Williams

I applaud the singer for being so candid by admitting he’s suffering ‘manopause’ and openly sharing how he feels about it.

The father of four said his hair is thinning, he’s low on testostero­ne and he constantly feels knackered. These are all common symptoms of female menopause and I think it’s brave of Robbie to confess he’s experienci­ng these things too. There are so many men who struggle to open up about their mental or physical health so I reckon Robbie being so honest will help lots of people. The former Take That star opened up ahead of

I’ve long been a fan of the annual fundraiser which helps charities across Scotland. So when they asked me to be involved, I jumped at the chance and it was a real honour to be given a half-hour documentar­y which will go out on Friday along with the main show.

The doc is called Scotland’s Stories: A Sporting Chance and I was both humbled and privileged to be part of it. We wanted to highlight the positive impact sport can have on physical and mental health and

I spent time with four charities who are supported by the appeal.

I was grateful to get to speak to the people out there who are doing work in our communitie­s and it was a timely reminder that so many need help as the cost of living rises.

It was eye-opening to meet those at the heart of the projects that are really making a difference. I’m in awe of the time and energy each and every onone of them puts in to making other pepeople’s lives better.

MMy first visit was to the brilliant AcAchieve More Scotland. I wasn’t sure whwhat to expect from the summer spsports camp that runs in the north and eaeast of Glasgow but when I arrived I wwas greeted by an enthusiast­ic, joyful anand energetic bunch of kids who just lovlove being part of the group.

ThThe charity fills the gap left when schschools are off and it takes care of huhundreds of children. The kids get the release of his

Netflix documentar­y, which has been described as “gripping and hard to watch” – I can’t wait to see it.

I’ve always found him to be pretty honest. He recently shared that he’s transforme­d his body after taking the “skinny jab”, he’s had Botox and he’s about to get his “Turkey teeth”.

That’s Robbie for you – funny, self-deprecatin­g and telling it like it is. breakfast, a hot lunch and physical activity, which is great for mental wellbeing and helps parents during the summer break.

I was most struck by the relationsh­ips between the camp leaders and kids – there was a real bond between them and it was lovely to see how much being involved inn dance or football empowered them. hem.

Next stop was close to home as I went back to o my native Inverclyde to spend time at the AR26 Charity, which was set up by Liverpool and Scotland footballer Andy Robertson.

I know only too well how pricey being part of a kids’ football team m can be, so offering free e sessions for families takesakes away that worry and allows children to enjoy the game with excellent coaches laid on by Andy, who is passionate and also happens to be a lovely guy who truly believes in football for all.

I knew of the important work being done by Street Soccer but it was powerful to meet some of the players and hear their stories first-hand.

Founder David Duke OBE, who experience­d homelessne­ss himself, is dedicated to helping those who are suffering from social exclusion due to addiction, homelessne­ss, poor mental health and poverty.

I loved watching the Street 45 tournament designed especially for women. I’ve never seen players enjoy themselves so much, I could see what every kick of the ball meant to them. There were women of all ages and sizes who have overcome unthinkabl­e situations to find themselves being part of something that brings them joy, support and a bit of exercise.

I then headed north to meet a footballer I remember from my hubbyhubby’ss playinplay­ing days. It was nice to catcatch up with Russell AAnderson and wwitness the incrincred­ible work of his foundation. WhatWh started as a few free football sessionsse­s for childrench­i living in disadvanta­geddisa areaareas of Aberdeen has evevolved into a school ttimetable where sport has bbeen integrated into the learning.learnin

TheThepupi­lspupils at KirkhillKi­rkhi Primary are taught about everything from nutrition to cooking heathy meals and budgeting in the home. I was impressed by the commitment of everyone involved.

I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun filming a TV project. It touched my heart and made me more aware of what’s going on in communitie­s up and down the country.

Your postcode shouldn’t determine how much you earn, your opportunit­ies or mental and physical health but sadly in Scotland it still does. Thankfully there are people and projects doing awe-inspiring work designed to give everyone a chance. See all their fine efforts on STV at 7pm on Friday.

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