Bristol Rovers train with mental health football group

Members of a mental health support group got the chance to train with professional footballers.

Rebound with Rovers (RWR) is run by the Bristol Rovers Community Trust, which was established in October 2021.

It uses football to offer support to people suffering with mental health problems.

One participant, who has been a member of RWR since the beginning, said: "I'm glad I made that step, it's helped me tremendously."

The group's training session and tour of the Bristol Rovers first-team training ground was organised as part of the English Football League's (EFL) annual Week of Action, which concludes on Friday.

All 72 EFL member clubs are able to highlight the impact they have on their communities.

Costa Chard, the mental health lead at RWR, said: "Anyone is welcome to our sessions. It's for those who are suffering with anxiety, depression, or just struggling.

"It's an opportunity for them to express themselves and it also gives an opportunity for them to talk to each other and express how they're feeling in a safe, confidential environment."

He said it is "vital" to talk about mental health and urged people "do not suffer in silence".

Since it was established, the group has grown in popularity and now attracts up to 30 attendees every week.

Helen Cox was the first person to join RWR and has progressed to become a coach there, after first learning about the group through a therapist who encouraged her to join.

"It's like one big family," she said.

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