Kicking Goals in West London is a football initiative with a dual aim.

Firstly, it forms part of the rehabilitation program offered to forensic mental health Service Users. It is a way of bridging the gap between hospital and community living for these individuals.

Secondly the project is also open to people with mental health problems who live in the West London Community. With the impetus on social inclusion, the aim here is to provide opportunities for Service Users to engage in community living through leisure provision.

At the projects core is a strong partnership between West London Mental Health Trust and Queens Park Rangers.

A year ago, when the project started, it consisted of five Service Users who attended a weekly football session run by QPR coaches Anthony Doherty and Mark Dowarris.

At that time, no one could have envisaged a year later that the scheme would have 17 registered players; be running two coaching sessions a week; have finished second in the first season of the Positive Mental Attitude League; and have secured qualification to play in a tournament in Austria next year.

A shared vision between QPR and the West London Mental Health Trust has helped to:

1. Improve the physical health care of Service Users.

2. Promote social inclusion and diversity.

3. Empower players and carers to take ownership of their Club.

4. Improve the mental and social well-being of Service Users.

The scheme is driving towards community integration. It has entered mainstream competitions and has forged strong links with local teams within the community. One player has now left the project and is playing football regularly for his local team.

Every two months all those involved in the project including users and carers come together to share views and look at ways to develop and improve the service.

The scheme has recently received a £400 grant from the Football Foundation. The players decided to use this funding to purchase a kit and new training equipment. To ensure Kicking Goals in West London can continue and achieve its future aims additional funding is required. The project is currently awaiting a decision from the Football Foundation with regards to an application for the small grants scheme.

The project is focusing on achieving the following outcomes this season:

1. Service Users will have the opportunity to complete coaching and refereeing courses with the aim of gaining meaningful employment.

2. Scientific evidence will be collected to demonstrate what impact the project has had on the health and well being of Service Users.

3. Kicking Goals in West London will be promoted as a model of good practice to other forensic mental health units across the country so they can develop a similar service.