Football sessions to encourage mental health chats

New football sessions encouraging men to talk about their mental health have begun in Cornwall.

The Argyle's Talk & Tackle Programme, run by Plymouth Argyle's Argyle Community Trust, is for "anyone who is struggling with their mental health".

The sessions are held at Launceston College Sports Hall on Mondays and at Cornwall College Cambourne on Tuesdays.

Wayne Berry, West Cornwall football programmes lead said the sessions would "bring people together".

"It is really difficult, I'm a male myself, to try and talk to people about feelings and emotions and stuff and then use that power of football to help bring them along that journey again," he said.

"Football is a fantastic tool and vehicle to be able to use to help people not only with the mental side but also with the physical wellbeing side as well."

The trust, which is collaborating with men's mental health charity Man Down, said conversations would be facilitated with the Argyle Community Coaches, before heading to the pitch for a kickabout.

Mr Berry said it was a "football-based men's mental health programme for 18s and over and we're trying to use football to break the stigma and barriers of men's mental health.

The trust said men could sign up voluntarily or be recommended by family, friends or organisations.

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