caring Communication

confidence. The evaluation included feedback
from tutors and coaches who both praised
the manner in which the programme was
managed and delivered. The report commented
on how the programme leaders were
very committed to the programme and respectful
of the participants’ needs.
The report recognised the expertise, experience
and the understanding of working with
young vulnerable men that the leaders displayed.
The innovative and sensitive approach
to challenging unhealthy behaviours was also
commended.
The evaluation clearly highlighted the impact
the programme had on the young men
who took park with the majority showing improved
physical health, physical activity and
fitness levels. The findings from the results
of the Fitness Test showed that the fitness
levels of all of the participants improved, with
some showing considerable improvements of
between 18pc and 50pc.
The participants themselves reported enhanced
psychological well-being, healthier
weight levels, improved concentration, better
quality sleep, increasing healthy eating
routines and a reduction in harmful levels of
alcohol consumption. Many also commented
that the programme offered an opportunity
for fun, relaxation and time-out in a supportive
environment.
For some, the programme provided an opportunity
to explore options for their future
including employment, further education or
community volunteering including coaching.
fitness
Intrinsic to the achievement of the Fitness
Through Football Programme is the recognition
that men are vulnerable in terms of their
health and that sport plays a hugely significant
part in their lives. Jason Hendry of Sunderland
AFC commented, “The attitude of the
group is fantastic and the enjoyment I get out
of it is huge. I have witnessed great attitudes
and hard work.”
The current programme will be coming to
a close this month with some moving on to
support services to assist with addiction and
mental health issues while others are moving
on to further education, volunteering and
employment.
All travelled to Sunderland for a training
camp and also got an opportunity to play
with local teams. The trip finished with a
visit to the Stadium of Light to see Sunderland
against Manchester United By tapping
into the love for the beautiful game, Fitness
Through Football has been successful in enabling
men to enrol in a programme designed
to address key issues through their passion
for football.
MAIN: The 2016 Fitness Through Football participants
with Daniel Butler, Limerick City DEPS
(standing far left) and Kevin Darke and Stephen
Hendry of Sunderland AFC Foundation of Light
standing either side of the participants. TOP RIGHT:
Daniel Butler, Limerick City DEPS presenting the
Overall Award for Fitness Through Football to
Alexsei Harsejev. Although Alexsei never played
football previously, his dedication and hard work
saw him progress to being a capable player as well
as embracing a healthier diet and lifestyle. Alexsei
embodies all that the programme hopes to achieve.
above: Peter Hogan and Danny McCauley hard at
it in the kitchen for the Cook-It programme.
spring 2016 | health matters | 43