July was another fantastic month at Sean’s Place, filled with opportunities for our members to learn new skills, challenge themselves and spend time together. From celebrating accredited course achievements and cycling milestones to welcoming special guests, exploring new partnerships and continuing to influence mental health conversations nationally, it has been another month full of connection, growth and community.

Understanding Mental Health Course

We began July by congratulating another fantastic group of members who successfully completed and passed our accredited Understanding Mental Health course.

Throughout the programme, members approached important topics with curiosity, openness and respect for one another’s experiences. The conversations were thoughtful and supportive, with everyone demonstrating a genuine commitment to better understanding mental health and the experiences of others.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the course – we are incredibly proud of your achievement.

Steady Minds Emotional Management Course

Following the completion of the Understanding Mental Health Course, we launched our brand-new Steady Minds Emotional Management Course.

This three-week programme focuses on developing healthy communication, managing conflict, understanding different perspectives and building confidence in expressing emotions positively.

The first group embraced every session with openness, honesty and fantastic teamwork. It has been wonderful to see members supporting one another while developing valuable skills that can make a real difference in everyday life. Well done to everyone who took part.

Football

Our members enjoyed another brilliant Walking Football session with our partners at the LFC Foundation, combining exercise, teamwork and plenty of laughter.

The session was made even more special by a surprise appearance from our friend Hasan from Frequency, who joined the game and spent time with our members. Thank you for dropping in and helping make the afternoon one to remember.

Cycling Club and Chester Bike Ride

Our Cycling Club continued to go from strength to strength with their monthly ride, covering more than 25 miles as they travelled along Liverpool’s waterfront to Otterspool. It was a fantastic achievement, particularly for some of our newer members who continue to challenge themselves each month.

Congratulations are also in order for our incredible members who completed the Liverpool to Chester 50-mile Bike Ride. For several riders, this was their first time taking on the challenge, making the achievement even more remarkable. You represented Sean’s Place with determination, resilience and fantastic team spirit, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Mobile Pantry

We were delighted to welcome New Beginnings Improving Lives to Sean’s Place for the first time with their fantastic Mobile Pantry.

During our Coffee and Connect session, members were able to purchase ten quality food items for just £5, helping to make healthy food more accessible while easing the pressure of rising living costs. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we are delighted that the Mobile Pantry will now be visiting us every fortnight.

Self-Harm Prevention Parliamentary Group

July also saw our founder, Debbie, continue to represent Sean’s Place on the national stage by attending the Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention All-Party Parliamentary Group at the House of Commons.

Discussions focused on the Government’s Mental Health Strategy, with opportunities to speak directly with ministers and policymakers about what needs to change to better support people experiencing mental health difficulties and suicidal crisis.

There are exciting opportunities ahead to continue sharing the work we do at Sean’s Place and help shape future policy. None of this would be possible without our incredible community, our dedicated partners and every person who places their trust in Sean’s Place. Together, we are helping to influence change far beyond our local community.

Film Screening

In a Sean’s Place first, we had the privilege of welcoming some very special guests who generously treated our members to a private screening of the powerful upcoming short film, Before You Go.

The film explores grief and mental health with remarkable honesty and sensitivity, creating a safe space for meaningful conversations long after the credits had rolled. Several members shared how deeply they connected with the story, recognising parts of their own experiences and praising the authenticity with which those emotions had been portrayed.

A heartfelt thank you to Laura Aikman, Matt Kennard, Susie Hall and Sonny Walker for your warmth, generosity and genuine care. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey and for using your platform to encourage conversations that can make such a difference.

Anfield Tour

Twenty of our members enjoyed an unforgettable visit to Anfield Stadium, taking a behind-the-scenes tour of one of football’s most iconic grounds.

From exploring areas usually reserved for players and staff to learning more about the club’s rich history, the day was enjoyed by everyone involved. Before leaving, members and staff paid their respects at the Hillsborough Memorial, taking time to reflect and remember those who lost their lives.

A huge thank you to our partners at Red Neighbours for making this wonderful experience possible.

Willpower Retreat Day

We rounded off July with a truly special retreat day at Faraway Follies Wellness Centre, delivered alongside our partners at The Willpower Club.

The day focused on wellbeing, connection and taking time to slow down. Members enjoyed walks in nature, kettlebell training, a wood-fired sauna, cold-water plunge sessions and guided meditation, alongside plenty of opportunities to talk, relax and support one another.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a positive experience. It was a wonderful way to end another memorable month at Sean’s Place.

Other Sessions This Month

We always have so much going on here at Sean’s Place, and July was no different. Alongside these events, we also continued delivering our regular sessions, including:

• Accessible/Chair Based Fitness
• Advanced Fitness/Kettlebells
• Book Club
• Coffee and Connect
• Create and Connect
• First Steps to Fitness
• Football Club
• Games Afternoon
• Rhythm and Riffs Guitar Club
• Meditation and Sound Bathing
• Muay Thai
• Singing Group
• Walking Club
• Yoga and Mindfulness

Support Summary

Throughout July we have also continued to offer 1:1 counselling support to ensure we are giving our members a well rounded package of care.

Looking ahead to August

On top of our usual programme, we already have some fantastic things planned for August too, including:

• Annual John Mc Festival
• Accredited Understanding Mental Health Course
• Member Survey Feedback, Steering & Information Sharing Session

As always, thank you to everyone who continues to support Sean’s Place — our members, staff, volunteers, ambassadors and partners. Every session, conversation and event helps strengthen the incredible community we continue to build together.

If you would like to know more about the support we offer here at Sean’s Place or think that you or someone you know would benefit from our support, please contact us or make a referral online and we will be more than happy to help.