Nacro It’s a Goal Programme at Chester FC
Prevention
diversion, education, health, mental health, service user involvement
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Partners and funders
NHS North West brings together a consortium which includes: Blackburn with Darwen PCT | Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT | Oldham PCT | Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council | Blackpool PCT | West Cheshire PCT | Manchester PCT and Wirral PCT
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Hi, my name is Steven, I did the It’s a Goal course and I just want to tell you that it really works. I suffer from bipolar disorder and my life became unmanageable after a relationship break-up. But when attending the course I found other people with similar issues and made some friends.
My goalkeeper was my medication - I knew I had to get my medication right because it gave me stability, and my defensive tactics were sorting out my personal affairs: admin, bills, benefits and stuff like that. I then had the time to look at what I wanted to do, and after that I moved on to taking opportunities that came my way, just like a good striker does. I’m working now, and I set new goals a day at a time so I keep moving forward. The course was brilliant. It changed my life.
Steven D, 40
About the service
It's a Goal is an eleven week programme for men suffering from low self esteem and depression. It will take place at Chester FC. The course uses football metaphor (we do not play a game of football) to help men to take more control of the issues in their lives; rather than focusing on the negative debilitating effects of being depressed or isolated, it's emphasis is on 'being the best you can be'; and everything is done to make it look and feel non-clinical.
We provide an environment that helps men to:
- engage with one another in a team setting.
- provide men with a safe, secure and non-clinical environment for them to discuss their issues.
- help men locate hope and strength and share in their experiences.
- set realistic goals.
- monitor the progress of their goals by equipping and encouraging them with tools and affirmation respectively.
- introduce these men to a wide range of other services on offer that may help them in the future (appropriate signposting).
What will I get out of it?
- A personalised and structured support plan - goal setting
- Emotional and practical support
- An understanding of how to examine your feelings
- An understanding of the concept of change
- An understanding of teamwork and discipline
- An understanding of the concept of roles and examining one another’s roles
- An understanding of what motivates you and why and what doesn’t and why
- An understanding of assertiveness and drive
- Examining how to approach problems and finding creative solutions
- Friendship and companionship
- The concept of bounce-back-ability when things go wrong
Find out more about the project by downloading our leaflets:
Chester FC Its A Goal Service Definition (73 KB)
IAG Chester Leaflet (1.3 MB)- IAG Chester poster (1.1 MB)
Service information
Type of service: Promoting good mental health
Participants must be between: 16 and 65
- male and over the age of 16 (although some women have attended and will be accepted)
- at a point where they want to make changes in their life
- willing and able to get to EXACTA Stadium once a week for 11 weeks
When can I apply?
The programmes run as an 11 week season with 4 seasons per year. The first session (match) of the first season will start the last week of January or soon thereafter pending referral assessments
How long will it last?
11 weeks but supporters club sessions run once a week throughout the year
Application details
How do I apply?
- Via email to kieran.hatton@nacro.org.uk
- Call Kieran on 07789 716479
- Via self referral or referral agency, e.g. a family member, a social worker, a job centre employee
- Email us using the referral enquiry form
Referral forms
- IAG Referral Form Chester (0.9 MB)
Phone us on: 07789 716479
Service location
Address: EXACTA Stadium Bumpers Lane Chester Merseyside CH1 4LT
Telephone: 07789 716479
Contact details
Address: It’s a Goal Royal Standard House 344 New Chester Road Birkenhead Merseyside CH42 1LE
Telephone: 07789 716479
Contact: Kieran Hatton, It’s a Goal Coach – Chester FC & Tranmere Rovers
