DOING GOODISON

Everton's mental health goal as it opens community hub

- NICOLA SMALL

EVERTON has become the first Premier League football club to help its community beat the blues - by opening a multi-millionpound mental health centre.

The People's Place is next door to the Toffees Goodison Park ground and will allow the club's charity, Everton in the Community, to help thousands of struggling people on Merseyside.

The site will provide a base for the charity's 15 mental health projects as well as offering a one-stop service for people in crisis.

Users can access GPs and talking therapy, financial and debt management help, educational and employment support, a gym and a host of activities ranging from exercise classes to arts and culture.

The centre was opened this week by Evertonian and Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.