In the heart of our Town, Mansfield Town Community Trust is making strides in increasing health and wellbeing activities.
On Saturday 09 December – when Stags take on MK Dons at One Call Stadium – the Community Trust and the football club will be celebrating Enlighten The Shadows, a local organisation dedicated to addressing men's mental health issues.
Through the Trust’s partnership with Enlighten The Shadows (ETS), they have established a new avenue to reach out to men who may be silently struggling with their mental well-being.
One such initiative with this partnership is the 'Come For a Kick About?' session, which enables men aged 18 and above to participate in football activities free of charge.
What started as a small gathering has blossomed into a thriving community of at least 15+ participants.
This initiative not only promotes physical activity through football but also provides a safe and relaxed environment for participants to engage in conversations about mental health. This supportive environment encourages individuals to open up about their struggles, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding among participants.
Community Trust's health and Wellbeing officer, Mike Kasinowicz, has been working closely with ETS for the past few months and told www.mansfieldtown.net: “The work with Rory and ETS team has been brilliant.
“We've managed to set up football and chat sessions, which have become a safe and non-judgmental place for men of different ages, abilities, stories, and experiences where they all can enjoy football and chat in a relaxed atmosphere. That was possible due to the genuine passion the ETS team has towards helping people.”
Rory Green, ETS founder, added: “Having Enlighten The Shadows covered by Mansfield Town Football Club is an honour.
“Our aim is to support as many men as possible with their mental health, especially those blokes suffering in silence.
“We’ve built a brilliant football group, ‘Come For a Kick About,’ with Mansfield Town Community Trust, and have seen some life changing encounters.
“Thank you to Mansfield Town Football Club. Our mission continues to save lives. Remember fellas, you’re not alone.”
