The Notts County Foundation has released details about its latest men's well-being project, 'Added Time', as it aims to provide a safe space to those within the local community dealing from mental health issues.
The project, run by the Magpies' charitable arm, combines sports and physical activity with opportunities to talk about well-being, providing a safe space for men who may be experiencing low mood or tackling loneliness.
Added Time uses current, high-profile sporting examples in a series of weekly fixtures to encourage open conversations around topics such as mental fitness, dealing with setbacks, wins and losses, and resilience amongst others.
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The foundation has been delivering the project over the past two months and is already hearing about the positive impact the group is having on the lives of men across Nottingham. One participant shared: “I look forward to coming each week - I want to come as it makes me motivated to get out of the house. It’s given me a support network”.
Another participant shared: “The exercise, the camaraderie of the lads – it all helps me to feel more comfortable to talk and open up”.
The 12-week rolling programme is open to men aged 18+ and provides a relaxed non-judgemental space harnessing the power of sport and activity to improve men’s mental and physical well-being.
Mental health officer at the charity, Lucy Devine added: “The focus of Added Time is to establish a secure environment by promoting sports and physical activities where men can comfortably express themselves and receive encouragement for their mental health.
"We believe that through sports and activities, we can eliminate the obstacles that men typically encounter when discussing their well-being, which enables us to cultivate relationships and provide peer support.
"We offer workshops that encourage discussions, provide helpful tips, boost confidence, and help set personalised goals for mental and physical wellness.
"Added Time ensures men that they are not alone and that we are here to support them in making positive changes towards their well-being.”
