Oxford United helping dads manage emotions, stress and fitness (From Oxford Mail)

Oxford United helping dads manage emotions, stress and fitness

1:10pm Tuesday 15th February 2011 in News By Emily Allen

FOOTBALL coaches are teaming up with fathers to improve their fitness and mental health.

A pilot project by Oxford United Football Club and Oxfordshire Mind is being launched to help dads manage strong emotions, reduce stress and improve their fitness with the help of a professional football coach.

The first Fitness and Wellbeing Programme kicks off on Wednesday, March 9, at the Kassam Stadium and runs for five weeks.

Dads who complete the course will get a free ticket to an Oxford United home game in the spring.

Conroy Harris, who works with fathers at the Leys Children’s Centre, in Blackbird Leys, is helping to run the programme.

Free child care will be available at the centre in Cuddesdon Way during the sessions, so fathers can relax and focus on themselves.

Mr Harris said: “They will spend an hour and a half in the classroom each week looking at different ways to cope with stress and work with different emotions like anger.

“We will also be doing some very basic cognitive behavioural therapy to help with low-level psychological problems like anxiety.

“Then they will spend an hour with Oxford United trainers in the gym, so that it focuses on mind and body together.”

Mr Harris said that the new programme was needed, because men often had difficulty admitting they need help.

He said: “Because they don’t seek help early for their emotional issues they will spend more time at the harder end of mental health.”

He added: “I’m fairly confident that we can give people certain skills to help people deal better with their stress.”

According to mental health charity Mind, 75 per cent of all suicides in England and Wales are by men.

Stuart Reid, the head of services at Oxfordshire Mind, said: “The extent to which the image of the tough, resilient male who hides emotion, the notion that big boys don’t cry, is hardwired in our society prevents many men from seeking help when they need it.

“We know that physical exercise boosts self-esteem and combats low mood, and we hope that this, coupled with the wellbeing sessions and the fantastic opportunity to engage with our local football club, will be a winning formula for men in need of support. ”

Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “We’re delighted to be involved with Oxfordshire Mind and keen to work together to create a healthier and more positive Oxfordshire.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the free course next month should call Mr Harris on 01865 773263 or 07775 407524 or Duncan McFarland on 01235 522096.