Football for Wellbeing Hub in Ealing expands sessions and adds job support
West London NHS Trust increases weekly sessions from four to eleven and introduces employment help after football
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Residents in Ealing experiencing mental health difficulties will soon have more opportunities to access support through football. West London NHS Trust has secured funding to expand its Football for Wellbeing Hub, increasing weekly sessions from four to eleven. Each session will now include a 30-minute employment support session immediately afterwards.
The hub, launched in July 2024, operates as a non-clinical programme. It combines physical activity, peer support and social connection to aid recovery and early intervention. Since its launch, the hub has received over 300 referrals and supported more than 100 active participants. Over 190 football sessions have been delivered so far.
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Wellbeing improvements reported by participants
Participants have reported significant improvements in their mental and physical wellbeing. West London NHS Trust states that over 80% of those taking part have seen positive changes, alongside increased confidence. The hub accepts referrals from GPs, mental health services and allows self-referrals through its website.
It shows the power of sport in supporting mental health recovery. What once started as a community football project has grown into something bigger.
Babak Rafiei, hub founder
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How residents can access the hub
The Football for Wellbeing Hub is open to Ealing residents aged 16 and over. Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals or individuals can self-refer. The expansion follows the hub’s initial success, with demand exceeding expectations since its launch. No specific start date for the additional sessions has been announced, but the trust expects them to begin later this month.
The hub operates from locations across Ealing, though the trust has not confirmed which venues will host the additional sessions. Residents interested in joining can find more information on the West London NHS Trust website or contact their GP for a referral.
Questions this report answers
+How many sessions will the Football for Wellbeing Hub run each week?
The hub will increase its weekly sessions from four to eleven. This expansion follows funding secured by West London NHS Trust to support more residents experiencing mental health difficulties.
+What kind of support will be added to the football sessions?
A 30-minute employment support session will follow each football session. This aims to help participants with job-related challenges alongside their mental health recovery.
+Who can join the Football for Wellbeing Hub?
Residents in Ealing aged 16 and over can join. Referrals can be made by GPs, mental health services or individuals can self-refer through the West London NHS Trust website.
+What improvements have participants reported?
Over 80% of participants have reported improvements in mental and physical wellbeing. They have also noted increased confidence since joining the hub, which launched in July 2024.
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