The Boot Room @ Street Soccer Academy

Since our inception in 2011 we have received referrals onto our programmes from a wide variety of welfare agencies, serving the needs of individuals with issues related to homelessness, unemployment, physical & mental health and offending. Service users referred onto our programmes have benefitted from the help of our staff and volunteers in ensuring that the support they receive in community is fit for purpose in addressing their needs.

Since returning to activity post Covid-19 lockdown we have been working closely with our referral partners in re-establishing attendance at our regional centres and become increasingly aware of the changing face of needs with within our target demographic (males, aged 18+). As well as a huge shift in the characteristics of the needs related to homeless individuals and the negative effect the recent lockdown restrictions has had on many individuals, we have become increasingly aware of the growing issue related to men’s wellbeing amongst individuals who are not connected with any welfare agencies with problems related to isolation and loneliness.  

Introducing the Boot Room @ Street Soccer Academy

 

The Boot Room @ Street Soccer Academy is our response in looking to engage with males aged 18+, particularly looking at addressing issues related to isolation and it’s effects on wellbeing. Available now, by self-referral, the programme will act as a form of early intervention in preventing isolation developing into problematic loneliness.

With respect to men and their wellbeing it is reported that:-

• Men are nearly three times more likely as women to develop a drug or alcohol dependency

• Three times as many men as women die by suicide

• 87% of rough sleepers are men

• Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women according to the Government’s national wellbeing survey

• Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women. (Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men)

The Boot Room programme will be linked to activity at the Street Soccer Academy Regional Centres. Service Users will take part in the SSA Coach Education & Personal Development Programme, meaning they will have hands-on responsibility of delivering and participating in England Football Accredited coaching sessions. In addition, service users will receive ongoing appraisals with SSA staff regarding their wellbeing and support in accessing any additional help, should this be appropriate.

Referrals

Specifically for this programme will we will be accepting ‘self’ referrals (or referral from friends & family) for individuals who would benefit from engaging with a form of physical activity, the support of like-minded peers and ongoing wellbeing appraisals. Please check out our Referrals page for full criteria and contact details. Participants are welcome, regardless of ability, subject to satisfactory completion of our registration process.