Wigan football club provides vital mental health lifeline nine years after tragedy
Nine years ago, Peter Hill faced a devastating series of losses that would eventually reshape the landscape of men’s mental health support in Wigan. Following the suicide of his best friend in 2014, and the loss of two more friends in the years that followed, the Beech Hill resident sought a way to channel his grief into a tangible force for good. What began as a commemorative cycling challenge has evolved into Place2Place, a thriving community organization that has reached hundreds of men across the borough.
For broader context, see mental wellbeing initiatives.
From a cycle to the capital to a community on the pitch
The foundation of the group dates back to 2017, when Peter organized the ‘Pedal 2 Paris’ event. The journey saw cyclists travel from the Brick Community Stadium to the French capital in honor of Peter’s friend, Anthony, who had often spoken of making the trek. The ride did more than raise funds; it demonstrated the power of collective action and the necessity of peer support.
Peter, now 41, reflects on that period as a turning point. At age 30, he found himself without the one person he would usually talk to about such a tragedy. The cycle ride proved that by breaking challenges down step-by-step and surrounding oneself with a supportive network, recovery and progress were possible. This realization led directly to the formation of a five-a-side football team designed as a safe space for men to be open about their wellbeing.
Creating a non-judgmental space at Laithwaite Park
Today, Place2Place operates through two distinct streams to cater to different needs within the community. Monday evenings are dedicated to a competitive five-a-side group, while Wednesday evenings at the Wigan Council-run facility at Laithwaite Park focus on an inclusive social group. These Wednesday sessions are unique for their structure: each begins with a 30-minute informal chat before any football is played, allowing conversations to flow naturally.
For participants like Lee Chapman, the impact of these sessions is life-changing. After suffering a serious back injury, Chapman found the non-judgmental atmosphere at Place2Place essential for his recovery. He notes that the group provides a reason to get up in the morning, offering support regardless of an individual’s background or past experiences. The project has supported men dealing with everything from bereavement and clinical mental health challenges to those recovering from physical trauma.
Strengthening the borough’s Manbassador network
The success of Place2Place has caught the attention of local authorities, leading to a partnership with Wigan Council through its Manbassador programme. This initiative aims to train local people to recognize signs of mental health struggles in men and signpost them to appropriate services. The council has provided funding and training courses, and recently supported a ‘Stadium Day’ at the Brick Community Stadium on May 10th.
This event alone raised nearly £1,000 for Papyrus, a charity dedicated to preventing young suicide. Over nearly a decade, Place2Place has raised thousands for various mental health causes while maintaining its core identity as a peer-led group rather than a clinical service. Peter Hill emphasizes that the club is not about providing professional solutions, but about empowering men to look after their own mental health through the medium of sport.
Future expansion into rugby and women’s teams
As the club moves toward a decade of service, the leadership team, including Club Secretary Connor Heeley and Vice Chairman David Steele, is looking to make the organization even more sustainable. Peter’s efforts have already earned him regional recognition as the North West’s Unsung Hero at the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards and a Prime Minister’s Point of Light award in 2021.
The next phase for Place2Place involves the establishment of a dedicated wellbeing hub. Plans are also underway to diversify the sports on offer, with rugby groups, women’s teams, and sessions specifically for parents and children in development. James Winterbottom, Director of Strategy and Innovation at Wigan Council, confirmed that the weekly sessions continue to have a significant impact on the borough, helping to break the stigma surrounding men’s health and fostering a more resilient community.
Source: Wigan Council
