You are invited to join a group that will improve your physical health, emotional health and hopefully your social life, too.
The Safer Chelmsford Partnership created On Your Team to bring local residents together to play sport and lend support. It provides free sports sessions for those looking for a new outlet or hobby, who could benefit from emotional support and advice.
Members are encouraged to both ask for and offer support. This isn’t a therapy session or a drop-in centre. It’s an opportunity to build connections and create a support system of your own, all while playing a bit of footy or having a go at badminton.
We’re not expecting Olympic athletes, nor are we expecting you to bare your soul at the first session. We’re simply inviting you to join a team where you’ll play some sport and, in doing so, lend some support.
The scheme is open to anyone over 18. On Your Team runs two programmes concurrently, with one group for men and another for women.
This is not intended to alienate anyone. If these categories don't quite fit for you, and you want to discuss which group to attend, let us know and we will work with you to decide on the best fit.
Mental health is still a tricky topic for many to tackle, with men especially struggling to open up to friends and loved ones. During the sessions, our volunteers will act as coaches, organising attendees and refereeing/leading games, as well as being available to offer emotional support and advice.
There will never be any pressure to tell-all, nor to be man of the match. The coaches will mix up the sports based on what everyone feels like playing.
We hope that in joining On Your Team, you’ll build connections that lead to a lasting team dynamic, where you can support one another and feel the benefit of playing sports, too!
We will hold 10, one-hour sessions at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre at 8pm on Thursdays, from 10 October to 12 December 2024.
Mental health is still a tricky topic for many to tackle, with recent national research showing that women aged 16 to 24 are more likely than any demographic to feel lonely.
Whether you feel unable to share with friends or family, or don’t have a support system around you, On Your Team is here to listen if you want to talk.
We are currently planning the next On Your Team sessions. If you would like us to send you information about upcoming sessions, you can sign up to our waiting list.
Other local resources
With you in Mind provides for support and activities for mental health, based at our Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre.
