A PROJECT which uses sport to help people with long-term mental health problems has celebrated its second anniversary.

Coping Through Football is run by Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme, in association with other bodies including North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT), the body which manages mental health services in Waltham Forest.

A football tournament was held at the Score Centre, in Oliver Road, Leyton, and was attended by Leyton Orient stars Stephen Purches and Tamika Mkandawire, who also took part in a question and answer session.

Mr Purches, who captains the Os, said: “It’s great to be involved in something like this and the questions they asked us show just how much they are interested in football.

“We have personal responsibilities as players to come into the community and if being here can make a bit of difference or help, then that’s what it’s all about.”