CUMBERLAND FA have partnered up with Active Cumbria & Every Life Matters, and last week they launched the Mental Health Football Session in Workington.

The sessions will take place every Thursday from 5.30-6.30pm are free and open to anyone aged over 18, regardless of fitness and ability. The sessions take place at Workington Leisure Centre (in the outdoor pens).

The group said that they want the sessions to be: "An inclusive space for people to have fun and find a safe space to talk and share their worries."

The Mental Health Football session have already taken place in Carlisle and Whitehaven and proved popular. 

Football Development Officer Ray Sempill said: “The sessions are designed to be relaxed kick arounds once a week. Then we aim to develop routes for further support and link with existing local support groups as an option for people as well as the football."

"We recognise the pressures that have been put on people over the last few years and the difficulties that society are currently facing. We want these sessions to be safe and inclusive environments, where people can feel comfortable sharing their worries and can access support as well as having a kick around.”

Ian Alcock, the Suicide Safer Community Co-ordinator Allerdale and Copeland commented on the importance of these types of sessions: “In order to look after our mental health we also need to be spending time looking after out physical health as well that’s why we are really excited to be developing regular mental health football sessions with Cumberland FA and Active Cumbria."

"There are a number of brilliant mental health services and we want to use these sessions as a way of signposting people to the other help that may be available locally.” 

If you are interested in getting involved contact Ray Sempill on 01900 511800 or email.

Read more: New signing Tomas Holy happy to be 'big brother' to Carlisle United's promising goalkeepers

Read more: Transfer rumours: Fresh interest emerges in Manchester United's Cumbrian keeper Dean Henderson