It’s A Goal! < Go back

“Be the best you can be.”

It’s A Goal! uses football metaphor and terminology to mirror life events to help clients (called “players”) to explore their personal issues and develop greater confidence and motivation. A key element is goal setting, with ‘players’ encouraged to set (and achieve) short-term and long-term goals.

• A season of 11 matches:

• Goalkeeper (match 1) – signing as a player, joining the team, setting goals

• Defence (4 matches) – roles, team work, support; focus on change and resilience

• Midfield (4 matches) – linking up and creativity, relaxation, visualisation, communication, motivation, assertiveness

• Attack (2 matches) – opportunities, perspectives and behaviours, practising techniques, evaluating success

• 10-12 players per season, run in football stadia, facilitated by a Coach

• Supporters’ club – drop-in facility

Why?

• Treat men as individuals – a gendered approach.

• The stigma of mental illness is different for men.

• Services need a more sophisticated and nuanced approach.

• The role of third parties, especially life partners and male friends, is critical.

• A joined-up approach is needed for “whole-life” solutions.

What difference does it make?

Reduced social isolation and increased social inclusion:

• 25% will have greater participation in meaningful social activities

• 25% will feel less isolated

Increased positive mental health and well-being:

• an average improvement rate of 10.6 points on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale

• an average 80% positive change on the Mental Health Recovery Star