TWO teams from groups that help people with their mental health took each other on in a football match.

It is the first time the teams from Swindon Town's' Community Foundation Mental Health and Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust’s Recovery Through Sport programme have come together for a game.

And the AWP's work with Bristol Rovers Community Trust made it a local derby.

The teams faced off on at Town’s Foundation Park with Swindon coming out on top 10-5.

Stephen Holmes runs the Swindon group.

He said: “We were really looking forward to this match and it was great for our service users to meet with others, take part in a friendly match and talk to other people who have mental health conditions.

“The group aims to reduce social isolation and stigma associated with mental health problems whilst promoting health and wellbeing, so a little healthy competition was good for all those taking part.”

Jon Holloway, head of foundation a Swindon Town FC, said: “This was a great opportunity for our mental health team to experience our new pitch at Foundation Park.

“I know the guys were really looking forward to the fixture and putting into practice the training that Steve has been giving them.”

Jacob Kelly, a mental health worker for AWP, said: “There is a clear link between activity and sport and mental health and wellbeing.

"We know from the feedback of our service users that it really does make a difference.

“To provide an opportunity for service users and others with mental health conditions to participate is fantastic.”

Swindon Town Football Club Mental Health Football Team sessions take place every Wednesday between 2.30pm and 3.30pm at Grange Leisure Park.