Everton wraps up its Christmas campaign with inspiring mental health stories

Everton Women players Maz Pacheco and Toni Payne paid a special visit to The People’s Place as part of Everton in the Community’s Together We Can Make Christmas campaign, meeting three women whose lives have been transformed through the charity’s mental health support.

Joined by EitC CEO Sue Gregory, the Blues duo sat down with Tashi, Arjeta and Louise to hear their deeply personal journeys – stories of isolation, survival and recovery that highlight the life-changing impact of Everton in the Community’s work across the Liverpool City Region and how it has supported them through some of the darkest moments of their lives.

For Tashi, finding Everton in the Community was a turning point after years of struggling with her mental health: “Even from the first session, everyone was so friendly and included and encouraged me and that then led me to joining a community football team in Formby,” she said. “For me, this programme has saved my life.

“I was in a really dark place and had no interest in living my life. I never thought I’d make it past 30, let alone feel comfortable sharing my story. If my story can help just one person – a young girl, a teenager or an adult – then I would be so proud.”

Arjeta’s journey began after being encouraged to attend an Everton in the Community session whilst working to achieve asylum in the UK after being trafficked to the country from Albania: “I first found out about Everton in the Community in 2021 when my immigration case worker encouraged me to go along,” she explained. “I joined a programme called ‘Welcome to Football’ for refugees and asylum seekers and it was fantastic for me – it stopped me feeling isolated and I really enjoyed playing football every week, even though I struggled with learning scouse!”

Louise spoke openly about the long-term impact of a controlling relationship and the importance of finding the right support. “My body is strong but my mind is not,” she said. “It’s so hard to open up to someone you know. It’s often easier to talk to someone who doesn’t know you or your situation. No one really knows what you’re going through unless they’ve been there.”

During the conversation, Blues defender Maz reflected on the strength shown by the women.

“Do you three see yourselves as role models in the community?” she asked. “I’m sat here in awe of you all – there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re role models.”

The visit reinforced the values at the heart of Everton in the Community, with Maz adding:

“The more time I spend with Everton in the Community, the more I truly believe that it really is The People’s Club. Sitting down with you women and hearing what you’ve been through and how you’ve turned your lives around is incredible. I’m proud to play for Everton and proud to wear the badge – you realise just how special this club really is.”

The Club’s charitable arm first began delivering targeted development mental health programmes in 2008, using football as a tool to encourage like-minded people to come together and talk whilst keeping physically active. The charity now delivers 15 projects all focused on improving mental health for people of all ages including programmes for people suffering from social isolation, those living with dementia, veterans, and school children identified as being at risk of developing mental health issues.      

And in March 2023, Everton in the Community opened The People’s Place, the Premier League’s first purpose-built mental health and wellness hub in the heart of Liverpool 4. The facility houses the charity’s mental health projects as well as providing a layer of professional support with GPs and mental health practitioners on site, promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention through an extensive range of evidence-based provision.   

The visit forms part of Everton in the Community’s Together We Can Make Christmas campaign, which shines a light on the challenges faced by individuals and families at Christmas – including loneliness, poor mental health and social isolation – and calls on supporters to help ensure no one is left behind this festive season.