Community football match in Stoke-on-Trent

Officers from Staffordshire Police put on their football boots and took part in a community football match on Friday.

Through Stoke City Community Trust, a special fixture was organised to take place during their weekly Mental Wellbeing football session, held at Longton Rugby Club.

The programme aims to create an opening, welcoming and trustworthy environment where participants feel safe, secure and a level of trust with coaches to the point that they can speak about anything.

The game was attended by a number of guests, including T/Assistant Chief Constable Simon Tweats, Jack Brereton MP and Councillor Ally Simcock.

PCSOs Andy Bagnall and Keith Mellor also attended the match, to promote the #JustSaySomething campaign, to spark conversations about thoughts of suicide and raise awareness of additional support services.

The event was organised by PCSO Steve Sherratt, who has been working with the group over the last couple of months.

He said: “This event is a fantastic chance for the force and the community to join together and do something good.

“In many ways, mental health is just like physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it. I believe that by bringing people together, the small things we all do can make a big difference.”

Thomas Pond, Senior Coach and Health Lead at Stoke City Community Trust added: “Working in partnership with local organisations like Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire FA and many more we reach out our communities to help and offer services surrounding mental well-being - which is massively important.”

“As a Community Trust we run talking and physical therapy groups and I encourage all to access these services because relationships are formed, advice and support is given and participants benefit both mentally and physically.

“We have a real pride and passion to delivering these projects because of the impact it has, and we look forward to expanding our offer and partnerships in the future.”