Many congratulations go to the London Playing Fields Foundation, part of WNST London-wide disability sports grants programme, which has been awarded a UEFA Silver Medal for its grassroots football work. This international recognition of LPFF’s work is for its Coping Through Football project, which provides structured football coaching for people with enduring mental ill health. The scheme is delivered in partnership with Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme and the North East London NHS Foundation Trust.
Evaluation of the work has shown the remarkable effects that taking part has had on the participants – in improving their overall health and well-being, increasing their social networks, reducing their dependency on drink and drugs, and importantly helping them to address their mental health issues in a positive fashion.
The UEFA certificate was officially presented by LPFF vice-president and Chelsea, QPR and Arsenal legend John Hollins MBE. The event was held at LPFF’s London Marathon Playing Fields in Redbridge, on 18th June 2014, at which WNST Chief Executive Stewart Goshawk, and local NHS Service Director, Bob Edwards, both spoke warmly about Coping Through Football, which is now being targeted at more east London boroughs and will look to help younger people suffering from mental ill health.
To find out more about the project, see http://lpff.org.uk/About/Our-Projects/Coping-Through-Football
