Widnes Vikings and State of Mind Sport have teamed up to support the ‘Extra Time’ group at the DCBL Stadium.
At 7pm Every Tuesday, men of all ages are welcomed to the home of the Vikings in a safe, warm, welcoming, non-judgemental space to talk and crucially receive professional medical and clinical guidance.
With suicide being the biggest killer of men under 50 these sessions offer vital, often life-saving support, to some of the most in-need individuals in the locality.
Group meetings feature support from the likes of NHS Merseycare, Zero Suicide Alliance, and our partners, State of Mind Sport.
A range of topics are discussed including recognising the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, assessment, treatment options, and the lived experience of living with PTSD. Volunteers are also offered the chance to obtain Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training.
During the session presenters share with the audience their personal stories, a powerful means of getting the key messages across with real impact.
Sessions help address mood, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and, in the case of the presenters, what worked for them in turning their lives around. All our presenters are fully trained and have undertaken MH and suicide prevention courses, including MHFA.
