Blokes United is a social inclusion football session, which was set up by the founders of Creative Football in Blackburn in 2017 to provide a support group for local men struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.
These sessions have been so popular that over the past seven years, with the help of National Lottery funding, they have expanded to three other sites in Lancashire, supporting 250-300 people through their sessions each week, ranging from 16 to 80 years of age!
Football is hugely popular in England and the love for the beautiful game runs deep in the veins of many. And that is why it provides the perfect vehicle to bring men together, to share their passion for the game and to open up about their mental health.
Wayne Beck, co-founder of the club, recognised that there is often a stigma attached to men talking about their mental health, and those who might be willing to take that first step and seek support were often unable to access formal services due to 9-5 work commitments.
They wanted to find a solution to prevent the decline in men’s mental health through the provision of an inclusive football session that was accessible and affordable for all. It was also their hope to have the opportunity to educate others of the importance of good wellbeing and spread the message that we all have different struggles, and that is okay.
A football family
And they have done just that.
Through weekly drop-in football sessions, Blokes United have created a welcoming, safe space for men to come together to talk, build friendships and express themselves in ways they may not be able to elsewhere. For them, this is more than just football: this is a family.
Each week they welcome individuals who have lost their social networks through work or family commitments, relationship breakdowns, unemployment, and bereavement. And you don’t need to the next Ronaldo or Messi to join in.