Everton has become the first Premier League football club to help its community beat the blues – by opening a multi-million pound mental health centre.
The People’s Place is next door to the Toffees’ Goodison Park ground and will allow the club’s charity, Everton in the Community, to help thousands of struggling people on Merseyside.
The site will provide a base for the charity’s 15 mental health projects as well as offering a one-stop service for people in crisis.
Users can access GPs and talking therapy, financial and debt management help, educational and employment support, a gym and a host of activities ranging from exercise classes to arts and culture.
The centre was opened this week by Evertonian and Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
Everton midfield star Tom Davies, who has supported the charity since he joined the first team in 2015, told us: “It’s been incredible to see this building go up. I’m so proud of everything this club does for this city.”
The 24-year-old regularly attends the charity’s mental health projects and added: “To lend an ear to someone, let them get things off their chest, can make a difference. Every time I go down, I feel better for it.”
Michael Salla, deputy CEO of the charity, said: “One of the benefits of the People’s Place being attached to a Premier club is that players come to sessions and meet participants.
“These are the players they idolise and all of a sudden they are meeting their hero. It makes a huge difference.”
Among those who have already been helped by Everton in the Community is lifelong Blues fan Mike Bateson, from Wigan.
The dad of two, 41, spiralled into addiction after being bullied in a “toxic” job.
Trauma from the horrors the Army veteran witnessed during a tour of Kosovo when he was just 17 also resurfaced.
And after he was furloughed in the pandemic, he began drinking a litre of whisky a day – as well as taking cocaine, cannabis and LSD.
He said: “I went into a dark place and tried to kill myself.”
Mike was on the streets after his wife kicked him out when he reached out to Everton for help a year ago.
He recalled how the Veterans’ Hub “gave me hope there was a future”.
Mike is now back living with his wife and two young children, and has a job as a plumbing lecturer. He is also giving back by volunteering at the Veterans’ Hub – now based in the People’s Place.
Mike added: “With other services, you get discharged and that’s it. “But Everton in the Community is a constant, it’s for ever. It’s wonderful.
“If it wasn’t for Everton I honestly believe I wouldn’t be here today.”
