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Mental Health Awareness Week: Watford service users to compete in Mental Health World Cup

13 May 25

A team of HPFT service users from Watford are taking part in this year’s Mental Health World Cup at Queen’s Park Rangers’ ground on Saturday 17 May.  In partnership with local community mental health charity Guideposts Trust, the squad - called Guideposts FC - will be one of the few teams in the tournament made up of people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

A football team posing and smiling in front of a goal in the sunshine

The team is coached by Steve Richards, STaR (Support Time and Recovery) Worker from HPFT’s South West Adult Community Mental Health Team, together with 2 volunteer FA approved coaches, Daniel Little and Terry Gaskell-Barry, as well as Paige Field, a support worker at Guideposts Trust.

After seeing the incredible work Guideposts Trust does in the community while attending groups with service users, Steve and his football club raised £4,500 for the charity in a fundraiser match last year. When asked how he’d like the funds to be used, Steve, in collaboration with the charity, proposed starting a football team specifically for service users. He now coaches the team each week, supported by staff from the charity.

Guideposts Trust Watford provides a supportive space, one-to-one and group support for people with mental health conditions, with the aims to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and help people to find a greater purpose in life.

The team has grown to include 16 regular participants, many of whom are currently supported by or have previously accessed services from HPFT.

“I love being able to play a part in this new venture and journey for service users,” Steve says. “It’s so rewarding to see them enjoying the football and having the confidence to approach me and ask for help, support or just to talk. Barriers have definitely been broken down.”

“One service user has gone from being shy and guarded to joining a gym and confidently chatting with others - something his family say is a huge step forward.”

Paige Field from Guideposts Trust added “It’s bringing the group together, making stronger friendships, teaching discipline and team-work, with a real shared aim. The team are also getting fitter of course, which helps everyone to feel better both physically and mentally.”

While the aim of the team was to support mental and physical wellbeing through football, the invitation to compete in the Mental Health World Cup has taken things to a new level.

With the help of Trevor Parsons, Clinical Nurse Specialist, the South West Herts ACMH (Adult Community Mental Health) Team recently organised a friendly match to give as many service users as possible a chance to experience competitive football ahead of the big day. Steve adds: “The friendly has been very well received both by my wonderful colleagues, service users and the Guidepost Trust. We had doctors, nurses, social workers, admin and support workers all playing together. The game gave service users the chance to see our staff in a different light.

“Everyone is wishing them the very best for the tournament.”

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