Nine years ago, Peter Hill faced a silence he didn’t know how to fill. After losing his best friend to suicide in 2014, followed by two more friends in the years that followed, the Wigan resident found himself at a crossroads. He was 30, grieving, and the one person he would have normally turned to was gone.
What began as a tribute—a grueling 2017 cycle ride from Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium to Paris—has since evolved into Place2Place. This football-centered initiative has spent nearly a decade transforming how men in the borough approach their wellbeing.
From a Parisian tribute to Laithwaite Park sessions
The ‘Pedal 2 Paris’ ride was originally undertaken in honor of Peter’s friend, Anthony, who had always dreamed of making the international trek. The journey proved to be more than just a physical challenge; it demonstrated the power of collective support. Peter observed that by breaking a massive task into steps and surrounding himself with the right people, the weight of the challenge became manageable.
This realization led to the formation of Place2Place as a five-a-side football group. Today, the club operates two distinct sessions. Monday evenings are reserved for a competitive five-a-side group, while Wednesday evenings at the Wigan Council-run facility at Laithwaite Park focus on an inclusive social environment.
Creating space for conversation through sport
The Wednesday sessions at Laithwaite Park begin with a mandatory 30-minute informal chat before a ball is even kicked. This structured time allows conversations to develop naturally, removing the clinical pressure often associated with mental health services. For many, the pitch becomes a place where they can be open about life-changing experiences, from grief to serious physical injuries.
Lee Chapman joined the group after a debilitating back injury left him struggling. He describes the environment as one free from judgment, where the simple act of exercise and peer support provides a reason to get up in the morning again. This grassroots approach aligns with broader men’s mental health push efforts seen across the UK, emphasizing that lived experience is often the most effective tool for engagement.
The Manbassador programme and community funding
The local authority has integrated Place2Place into its Manbassador programme and men’s health forum. This partnership has provided the club with funding and training, helping to bridge the gap between community groups and formal support services.
A recent ‘Stadium Day’ held at The Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, May 10, 2026, served as a showcase for this collaboration. The event raised nearly £1,000 for Papyrus, a charity dedicated to preventing young suicide. Beyond the financial contribution, the day highlighted the club’s ability to bring together men from diverse backgrounds to improve their collective wellbeing.
Establishing a permanent hub for Wigan residents
Peter Hill’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He was named the North West’s Unsung Hero at the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards and received a Prime Minister’s Point of Light award in 2021. However, the focus remains on the sustainability of the club, now supported by figures like Club Secretary Connor Heeley and Vice Chairman David Steele.
The future of Place2Place involves moving beyond the football pitch. Plans are currently underway to establish a dedicated wellbeing hub in the borough. The organization also intends to expand its reach by introducing rugby groups, women’s teams, and specialized sessions for parents and children, ensuring that the legacy of hope born from tragedy continues to grow.
Source: Wigan Council
/linkComments