One of our service users, Wayne, was recently referred to the GC Personal Wellbeing Service (based in Merseyside) in May 2023, where Nicole Murphy was assigned as his GC Wellbeing keyworker. After his initial assessment, Nicole felt the client was a perfect fit for the 'Kick the Stigma' programme – a wellbeing programme delivered in partnership with Everton in the Community (EitC).
Wayne attended every session of the 8-week course, making valuable contributions to all of the various aspects of the programme – including wellbeing theory sessions and the more practical football elements, demonstrating progression across a number of the desired outcomes, as prescribed by their probation practitioner.
He completed the programme in July 2023 and wanted to make further progress, and wanted to take a more active role with 'Kick the Stigma', asking to be considered as a 'peer mentor' – an opportunity to work alongside programme facilitators and helping other service users to reap the rewards gained by taking part.
Since then, as a result of the clear progress Wayne's made, acknowledged by his probation practitioner, he's been re-referred to the personal wellbeing service, with a view to achieving more of his desired outcomes and to take on the role of peer mentor for the next delivery of 'Kick The Stigma' – scheduled to start in September 2023.
Wayne's taken the time to thank GC and EitC for helping to build his self-confidence and providing a sense of aspiration/motivation back into his life. He's also currently in the process of becoming a volunteer with Everton in the Community, with the hope of engaging with the charity and coaching others.
