Nine years ago, Peter Hill faced a silence no one should have to navigate. After losing his best friend to suicide in 2014, followed by two more friends in the years that followed, the Beech Hill resident found himself at a crossroads. He was 30, grieving, and the one person he would have turned to for support was the friend he had lost.
Today, that personal grief has been transformed into Place2Place, a Wigan-based football club that has reached hundreds of men, raised thousands for charity, and fundamentally changed the local conversation around mental health. What began as a tribute has evolved into a vital community fixture that proves exercise and honest conversation can be a lifeline.
The journey from a Paris cycle to the football pitch
The seeds of the club were sown in 2017 during an ambitious charity event called ‘Pedal 2 Paris.’ Peter Hill organised a cycle from the Brick Community Stadium to the French capital in honour of his friend, Anthony, who had always wanted to attempt the trek. The ride did more than raise money; it demonstrated that when people break challenges down step-by-step and surround themselves with a supportive network, recovery is possible.
Following the success of the cycle, the energy was channeled into a five-a-side football format. Peter recognized that for many men in Wigan, a football pitch felt more accessible than a clinical setting. The group transitioned from a one-off tribute into a regular sports club designed for men facing challenging circumstances, grief, or injury.
Creating a judgment-free zone at Laithwaite Park
Place2Place now operates with a dual focus to ensure every man finds a level of play that suits him. Monday evenings are dedicated to competitive five-a-side matches, while Wednesday evenings at the Wigan Council-run facility at Laithwaite Park focus on inclusive social play.
Crucially, the Wednesday sessions begin with a mandatory half-hour informal chat. This structured time for conversation allows support to emerge naturally. For members like Lee Chapman, who joined after a serious back injury, the club provided a reason to look forward to the day again. The environment is explicitly non-judgmental, welcoming men regardless of their background or the specific challenges they are facing, from mental health struggles to life-changing physical injuries.
Key points of the Place2Place impact
- Longevity: Successfully operating for nine years since its initial formation.
- Community Reach: Directly engaging hundreds of men across the Wigan Borough.
- Charitable Giving: Raising thousands of pounds for mental health causes, including nearly £1,000 for Papyrus during a recent stadium event.
- Peer Support: Transitioning from a founder-led project to a sustainable club with members taking on leadership roles.
Wigan Council and the Manbassador initiative
The growth of Place2Place has been bolstered by local authority support. Wigan Council has integrated the club into its Manbassador programme and men’s health forum. This partnership aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health by highlighting available services and providing direct funding for community events.
On Sunday, 10th May, this collaboration culminated in a ‘Stadium Day’ at The Brick Community Stadium. The event served as a celebration of the club’s resilience and a fundraiser for Papyrus, a charity dedicated to preventing young suicide. For Peter Hill, the day was a reminder that while the club isn’t a clinical solution, it empowers men to take ownership of their own wellbeing through the simple act of showing up for one another.
Building a sustainable future for local wellbeing
Recognition for the club’s work has reached national levels, with Peter Hill being named the North West’s Unsung Hero at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2019 and receiving a Prime Minister’s Point of Light award in 2021. However, the focus remains firmly on the local community.
The club is currently expanding its leadership, with members like Club Secretary Connor Heeley and Vice Chairman David Steele taking active roles to ensure long-term sustainability. Looking ahead, Place2Place has plans to establish a dedicated wellbeing hub in the borough. There are also active discussions regarding the launch of rugby groups, women’s teams, and sessions specifically designed for parents and children, ensuring the legacy of hope continues to grow across Wigan.
Source: Wigan Council
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