MNE'S mental health charity, Wirral Wise Guys, are hosting a huge night of football to help with their fundraising efforts.

On Friday, August 16 from 7pm, the Wirral-based mental health group are playing an 11-a-side match at Oldershaw Rugby Club with live music, food and drink, as well as a big charity auction with top prizes, including signed football memorabilia.

The night is free to attend and donation based, offering the chance to watch a game of football, enjoy some top live entertainment and potentially win some great prizes. Any funds raised from the night will help pay for the charity’s free Football Therapy sessions for local men on Monday nights.

Football Therapy is a free, regular game of football for local men that’s organised by Wirral Wise Guys — promoting mental and physical wellbeing, friendship and sharing any problems. Through their network and various activities, the charity tackles isolation by encouraging men to open up and be part of a supportive community.

Wirral Wise Guys was founded in February 2024 and it’s something Director James Sheldon is passionate about, having suffered from mental health struggles himself, including autism and an eating disorder.

The charity has grown to a network of over 80 men and has helped many via 1-2-1 support, crisis intervention, walk and talk groups, photography groups, social meets and sport such as Football Therapy on Mondays.

James said: “It’s no secret that mental health problems and suicides are on the rise, particularly amongst males.

"After struggling myself and witnessing many men around me struggle, sometimes with disastrous consequences, I wanted to create a non-clinical, non-judgemental community of like-minded men who support each other. Something to be part of and something that gets men out and socialising.”

He added: “Sport is a great way to do that and the Monday night Football Therapy has been a great success. We want to keep this free for men to make it as inclusive as possible so funds raised from our big charity football night will help keep it this way — covering pitch hire and equipment. It’s going to be a great match with some top live music, food and drink and amazing auction prizes.”

The charity and event is being supported by Chris Guy — chairman and founder of social values junior football club New Brighton Victoria FC. Through football, the club instils positive mental health, ethics and values into young people — promoting inclusivity, wellbeing, charity work and community.

Chris said: “Football, and indeed any sport, is a huge platform and tool. It can work wonders to get people socially active and bonding — from banter and camaraderie to sharing problems and supporting each other. We’ve been working hard at New Brighton Victoria FC to use football as a vehicle for positive change for young people so it’s great to be collaborating with Wirral Wise Guys who are doing the same for men.”

Wirral Wise Guys Charity Football Night / Friday 16th August from 7pm / Oldershaw Rugby Club, Belvidere Road, Wallasey, CH45 4RY