Wirral's independent local news website
Wirral Ways has presented service users with awards for their effort during this season’s recovery football sessions.
Through their partnership with Tranmere Rovers, service users were able to take part in a 12-week Fit Fans course aimed at improving their overall health and fitness.
Wirral Ways and Tranmere Rovers work together to provide football sessions at both Prenton Park and Beechwood Recreation Centre twice a week for individuals who are in recovery.
Ray Smith, Outreach Worker for Wirral Ways said, “I’ve been running football sessions for people in recovery for nearly 10 years. The positive impact it has on their physical and mental health is amazing. It also builds a key part of their recovery.
“Lockdown was really rubbish and we all really missed the football. I was getting texts from service users asking when the football was starting again so it’s great to be back.
“We always say that these sessions are about football, which they are, but it’s all about the social aspect and the impact it has on our mental and physical wellbeing.
“We become a team, we have our ups and downs, but always pull together. If the service users didn’t come to the sessions, we wouldn’t have this recovery community we’ve built together”.
Andrew Cass, Wirral Ways Service Manager, expressed his thanks to Ray Smith and Paul Brown (Wirral Ways outreach and engagement workers) for their work with the football team and Tranmere Rovers for their continued support and partnership with the service.
Andrew said, “It’s fantastic seeing the service users together, supporting one another and the impact it’s having on their recovery journey”.
Wirral Ways is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults (including offenders), young adults, families, carers, and others who may be affected across the Wirral.
The team provides a non-judgemental service, with qualified, experienced staff & volunteers who offer support in health & wellbeing and substance misuse. They can talk to you in several supportive environments, all of which have a friendly atmosphere and provide you with information to help you reduce your substance misuse or become abstinent.
Wirral Ways is part of Change Grow Live, a health and social care charity that provides a range of treatment, recovery, and support services for those who have concerns about their drug or alcohol use right across the UK. They have a variety of community hubs where their teams are based. They also deliver services out of GP practices, partner organisations and community settings.
Main image: Some of the participants of the Fit Fans course with staff from Tranmere Rovers
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