Gamechangers with Wigan Athletic Community Trust helped Martin return to confidence and his career

Martin was one of 10 adults identified to take part in the pilot of the Gamechangers Mental Health programme. Gamechangers utilised a trauma-informed approach with an emphasis on peer support, physical activity and the empowerment of individuals. 

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

Martin 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 Gamechangers 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 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 Gamechangers programme, Martin was encouraged to also attend 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 summarised the impact of the programme by saying:  

“The programme has brought my self-confidence back. The programme has 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.”