One of our hostel residents, Jake, was initially reluctant to take part in Project Resilience, often saying he would attend and then not turning up to sessions. After a while, he started becoming a regular at one of the weekly Project Resilience football sessions which he found had a positive impact on his mental health, reducing his depression and anxiety. His enjoyment of the group even led Jake to begin encouraging other residents to join in.
Jake began taking part in football tournaments organised by Project Resilience which further boosted his confidence and motivation.
After six months of participation in Project Resilience, Jake joined ‘Man On!’, a football-based mental wellbeing programme run by Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust. Engaging in Project Resilience has led to increased structure in Jake’s week and an expanded social network and links in the local community. Jake has been supported to engage with a wider community outside of the hostel that he can continue benefiting from once he has left One YMCA’s housing and moved on into more permanent independent accommodation.
