Mental illness is as common as heart disease

The five-a-side event in Liverpool - featuring teams from across the North West - has been organised to mark World Mental Health Day.

Health professionals and their patients are in the teams that aim to raise awareness of mental health and tackle prejudice against those who suffer from the "silent illness".

The event, at the city's Crown Street Resource Centre, features 12 teams and offers members of the public the chance to learn more about the condition in an informal setting.

Jeremy Chowings, Liverpool City Council's executive member for health and social care, said: "One in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year.

'No obvious symptoms'

"This makes mental illness as common as heart disease and three times more common than cancer. It's something that can happen to anyone."

"A lot of the time there are no obvious physical symptoms that can be treated in a straight forward manner.

"However, it's still a frightening time for both the individual and their family and it's important they receive as much support as possible."

He said the tournament offers a "fantastic way" to have fun and tackle the stigma of the illness.

Ex-Everton star Gordon West is due to present the winning team with their trophy.

World Mental Health Day has been taking place on 10 October since 1992.

This year's theme is looking at the emotional and behavioural disorders of children and adolescents.