Liverpool Football Therapy

I am Colin Dolan founder of LFT launched to help adults affected by mental ill health through small-sided football sessions throughout Merseyside. Our aim is to help improve the quality of life for so many people who are affected by mental ill health. We are a voluntary Peer led not for profit organisation and look to help improve four key areas; Physical, Mental, Emotional and Social Wellbeing.

This can be achieved not only by having a fun kickabout with others with similar lived experiences, it's also about what goes on with our chats before, during and after the 2 hour football sessions. We strongly believe in "Early Intervention" therefore no one needs any form of referral whatsoever and are open to all abilities, all genders, all ethnicities, also for those who have been diagnosed or those who are waiting for a diagnosis.

I myself am bipolar and after a suicide attempt and so long in a psychiatric ward I returned to play football once again at the age of 47, this gave me so much and has transformed my life it has given me so many wonderful experiences. I don't proclaim to be cured however I can deal with my own issues better these days and because of the football I have a wonderful support network around me.

We have built great relationships with several other mental health organisations locally, and if someone needs extra support, we can signpost participants to the appropriate organisation.

Sadly we have run out of funding and it could be some time before we receive any more, bidding for funds is an ongoing almost daily task, we desperately need financial help to ensure we can continue to provide these football sessions. The thought of being unable to continue because of low funds is heartbreaking for myself and all involved.

Since we were launched we have supported in excess of 100 participants, several owe their improving health and new careers to being involved with Liverpool Football Therapy.

Funds raised will be used to cover the ever increasing cost of pitch hire.

Colin Dolan