Martin was one of 10 adults identified to take part in the pilot of Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Game Changing Mental Health Programme. Developed to provide life-changing mental health support to people across the Wigan borough, the Game Changers initiative utilises a trauma-informed approach with an emphasis on peer support, physical activity and the empowerment of individuals.  

Martin, who had been struggling with low mood and confidence, once described himself as close to having a breakdown following the stresses of his job as a funeral director.  

He said: “Two weeks before Christmas, I went to take my own life. I was struggling with low mood and was not motivated to do much. My lifestyle was lacking activeness, and I was forced to take a step back in my career due to my battles with mental health.  

Through joining the Game Changers Programme, Martin was able to engage with a group of like-minded individuals who had experienced similar struggles and draw on their experiences and coping strategies to help him work through and progress beyond the issues that had been adding to his stresses and anxieties.   

Martin had also previously struggled to be physically active, but through the programme was able to regularly engage with exercise and use it as a tool to improve both his physical and mental health.  

“All the classes within the gym programme have been interesting. In particular, I enjoyed participating in the rock-climbing session as this helped me overcome my fears of heights and challenged my mental resilience. I had never done this activity before, so it was one of many that I have enjoyed and has given me the confidence to try out new activities. My physical health has massively improved, and I have noticed a big improvement in my social anxiety.”  

While attending the initiative, Martin was encouraged to partake in the Andy’s Man Club sessions that are held weekly at The Brick Community Stadium. This allowed him to access an additional form of peer support alongside the support he was already receiving at the Community Trust.   

“Meeting new people and inspiring others to just go for it has helped my anxiety and I have received comments from people praising how well I look since starting the programme and how my confidence has grown over the weeks of participating.  

Martin has gone from strength to strength since completing the programme, and in summarising the immeasurable impact it’s had, he said:   

“The programme has brought my self-confidence back. It’s encouraged me to improve my fitness levels and given me the courage to finally complete my five-year plan; this has led to a more active lifestyle and given me the confidence I needed to step forward within my career and continue to do the job I love.”