WE’LL support you ever more.

There could not be a more fitting football chant for what they are doing at the Blackburn and Darwen Social Inclusion League.

Formed back in 2012, the league offers hope, faith, freedom and football.

The aim of the league is to help those with mental health issues – and those with alcohol and drug-related misuse problems - and address the isolation, stigma and discrimination surrounding these issues.

Paul Harman, support coordinator at Blackburn-based Creative Support is the brainchild behind the league and he has been delighted with the way it has taken off.

“It started with a one-off friendly between two support groups and we now have two leagues with play-offs, promotion, relegation and a cup competition,” he said. “That first game caused a real buzz so we put the word out about starting up a league and it has all gone from there.

“It’s based on the principles of social inclusion and underpinned by social work values and current research around service user participation.

“The league is part of Creative Support’s Social Inclusion Service. It’s pretty much just getting back to basics and doing real stuff for people who are struggling for whatever reason.”

The league now has a total of 14 teams playing in two divisions at the Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre (BRIC) and is supported by the Blackburn Community Trust.

“Football is a wonderful way to help these guys who are down on their luck for one reason or another,” added Hardman.

“We are working with people who may feel isolated so to come together and be part of a team is great for their self esteem. Everyone loves to play football, everyone can play it to different standards and abilities and we have found that the game is a level playing field.

“No-one is judged or singled out, they come along and play football and they get the chance to express themselves.

“And the taking part is what it is all about although, football being football, everyone wants to win as well!”

The league is currently National Lottery funded but Hardman is hoping to attract funding from local businesses to keep the league – which he considers important to the players well-being – going for the foreseeable future.

“As it stands we are funded by the National Lottery and we are very grateful for that but we know that it won’t last forever,” he added. “So it would be great to get some local businesses on board and support what we are doing. They could perhaps sponsor individual teams that are taking part. Anything would be a great help.”

The format for the league sees teams play each other once a month with the final meeting deciding relegation and promotion.

Geoff Wilkinson, manager of Men Dive In FC, has no doubt about the importance the league plays in helping those involved move forward.

“The mental health football community has, for me, shown what a difference peer support can make,” said Wilkinson who has been a mental health practitioner for nearly 12 years.

“Having been to many tournaments around the country, I can honestly say that football and mental health go hand in glove in terms of promoting recovery, wellbeing and independence.

“I have personally seen people take that next step into education or employment having rediscovered their confidence.

“There are some incredible projects out there - too many to mention - the majority of which are sadly under-funded and reliant on the goodwill of volunteers and staff.”

n Any local businesses who would like to support the league or sponsor individual teams can contact Paul Hardman on 01254 664975.

Results Division One: Everton IYG 0-3 SPARC Stockport Utd, EIS FC 4-0 Blackburn Brasilia, Platform 5 FC 1-2 FC Bolton, AFG Wigan 0-3 EIS FC, FC Bolton 3-0 Everton IYG, Blackburn Brasilia 4-3 Platform 5 FC, SPARC Stockport Utd 3-1 FC Bolton, Platform 5 FC 3-0 AFG Wigan, Everton IYG 0-3 Blackburn Brasilia, Platform 5 FC 2-4 EIS FC, SPARC Stockport Utd 2-0 Blackburn Brasilia, Everton IYG 0-0 AFG Wigan, Blackburn Brasilia 4-2 FC Bolton, EIS FC 3-0 Everton IYG, AFG Wigan 0-3 SPARC Stockport Utd, Everton IYG 0-3 Platform 5 FC, FC Bolton 3-0 AFG Wigan, SPARC Stockport Utd 0-0 EIS FC, AFG Wigan 0-3 Blackburn Brasilia, Platform 5 FC 1-6 SPARC Stockport Utd, EIS FC 4-1 FC Bolton.

Division Two James St Elite 2-3 FC Hyndburn, Foyer FC 0-4 Men Dive In FC, Kemple View FC 5-4 Calderstone B, Calderstones A 3-1 Foyer FC, Calderstone B 0-4 James St Elite, Men Dive In FC 10-1 Kemple View FC, FC Hynburn 7-0 Calderstone B, Kemple View 2-11 Calderstones A, James St Elite 0-1 Men Dive In FC, Kemple View FC 2-6 Foyer FC, FC Hyndburn 1-4 Men Dive In, James St Elite 0-3 Calderstones A, Men Dive In 7-0 Calderstone B, Foyer FC 0-2 James Street Elite, Calderstones A 0-5 FC Hyndburn, James St Elite 6-1 Kemple View, Calderstone B 1-7 Calderstones A, FC Hyndburn 3-1 Foyer FC, Calderstones A 2-6 Men Dive In, Kemple View 0-6 FC Hyndburn, Foyer 6-1 Calderstone B.