A Falkirk football team, made up of staff and patients from Woodlands Resource Centre, Bellsdyke Hospital and Caledonian Services has been crowned champions of the SFA Mental Health and Wellbeing League.
The team is supported by NHS Forth Valley, Stenhousemuir Football Club and Caledonian Services (which provides support to people with mental health problems in the Falkirk area). It is open to both men and women between 18 and 65 and is an opportunity for people with mental health difficulties to socialise and mix with other people interested in football. Players are coached by the SFA’s Danny Newbiggings at Stenhousemuir FC.
NHS Forth Valley Occupational Therapist Clinical Specialist, Julie Cunnell, said: “This is a truly amazing achievement for all players involved. The teams have dedicated themselves to training twice weekly, all year round at Stenhousemuir football club.
“What we are doing is providing mental health support in an informal setting with qualified health professionals and as a result, the physical health and fitness of everyone in the group has really improved.”
Left to Right: Jimmy Chamberlain (Nursing Assistant), Julie Cunnell, (Occupational Therapist), John McGowan (Caledonian Services), Stevie Gallagher (Staff Nurse), Callum Forsyth (Volunteer Coach). Jenny Rodgers (Occupational Therapist) also facilitates the group but is not in picture.
