‘Wolves mental health project saved my life’

A man who twice considered suicide has said he was saved by a mental health charity run by Wolves.

John Martin, 68, was struggling with work and family issues in 2018 and felt he had too much to deal with.

He talked about taking part in a government-run project called “Head 4 Health.” Wolves Foundation, It was the best thing that ever happened to him.

“If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be here right now and something would have happened,” he said.

Head 4 Health meets at Molineux to improve the health of adults through workshops, walks and discussions.

Mr Martin, from Oxley, joined the project about four years ago and said it gave him a safe space to talk to others.

“You don't have to worry about what you say, because it stays in the room,” he added.

David Rees, 59, of Fallings Parks, Wolverhampton, said he had struggled since losing his brother and sister in 2022.

Since joining Head 4 Health, he said talking and meeting people at the foundation has made him feel better, along with support from his family.

“I have been attending these meetings to combat what is going on internally.

“I wasn't looking forward to the future. I was just scared, but coming here I was able to control my anger.”

Head 4 Health was founded about five years ago to provide mental health support to men.

The project is currently open to any adult over the age of 18 who wants to improve their health.

Rachel Smith, health and wellbeing manager at the Wolves Foundation, said the initiative would provide face-to-face conversation and support.

“This creates an opportunity for people to access support in a casual way,” she said.

Mr Smith added that running the initiative at Molineux Stadium could be less difficult for people to access support compared to visiting a clinical site.

“In the sessions we run, we have a great view of the pitch and that's often the first thing we talk about.”