Spotlight Series: The Changing Room
Snapshot: Ben Rodgers and Ross Lindsay share their experience of attending our men’s mental health programme ‘The Changing Room’ and how it positively impacted them.
The Changing Room promotes men’s mental health and well-being through an informal 12 week programme which uses Tannadice Park as a safe space for men to discuss their shared love of football while opening up conversation around mental health. Read on as two former participants Ben and Ross discuss how The Changing Room has improved their lives.
What was the biggest impact of coming to The Changing Room for you?
Ross: The biggest impact for me was my increase in confidence. I also feel I can speak about my mental health with my other half more openly now.
Ben: For myself, the programme has helped me do more things that will benefit myself like socialising, exercising, and spending time with my family. It’s also been good having a group of people I am comfortable speaking to.
What made you first want to come along to the programme?
Ross: I’m the only male at home so to start with I was just looking for somewhere I could come to get some space and speak with people with a similar interest of football.
Where did you hear about the programme?
Ben: I was told about the programme from one of the other DUCT coaches who takes the Football Therapy class.
Ross: I saw it through the social media and contacted Lindsey to come along.
What was the biggest highlight from the programme?
Ross: The best highlight was our opportunity to go to Hampden Park together for The Changing Room Alumni Event. It was great to hear about the other programmes at neighbouring clubs and how they run it there.
Ben: I agree, it was fun mixing with other football fans and having banter with them along with speaking about our mental health. It’s also been good that the staff at Dundee United Community Trust are really involved with the programme and create a relaxed environment.
Ross: Yeah, each of the staff bring something different to the programme and has helped me want to come back every week.
What was your favourite session from the 12 weeks?
Ross: The Walk and Talk was really good and it’s pretty cool being allowed more access around the stadium than we get on match days.
How does this programme differ from other mental health services available?
Ben: The GP waiting list was too long and I just feel that mainstream support is very generic. This was different and had the element of football. Even though the staff aren’t mental health professionals, simply having the conversations and somewhere to go was what helped me.
What would your advice be to anyone thinking about coming to the programme?
Ben: The first step of coming along is always the hardest but once you get over the first mental barrier it gets easier. Just enjoy the programme and make the most of it.
Ross: Yeah, don’t talk yourself out of it before giving it a try. Even come for one session and see what you think. The anxiety of coming along lifts the more you come. I didn’t even realise how much it was helping at the time until I noticed I was looking forward to coming back every week.
Ben: Same with me. We’ve bonded through football and would say we are all mates now that chat at the games and other DUCT events. There’s no negativity or judgement in the group either so would recommend coming along if you are thinking about it.
Join the team
When you join The Changing Room team you’ll take part in a behind the scenes stadium tour, get advice from guest speakers and receive support to help you build your own toolkit to deal with changes in your mental health. If you’d like to get involved with our next intake which starts on 29/11/2022, contact lindsey.brown@dundeeunitedct.co.uk to sign up.