Seven participants from the Liverpool FC Foundation's Men's Health programme were recently given an opportunity to try their hand at a spot of stand-up comedy.

An eight-week course presented them with a chance to partake in the 'Take a Stand' comedy confidence course, in partnership with Laughterhouse Comedy.

During the course, they were taught by professional comedians to write material, create a stage presence and deliver their gags all while looking at communication skills, body language, confidence and self esteem.

After just four weeks of training, Tom Moore, Ste Blackall, Mick McEvatt, David Dowling, Kenny Murphy, Rob Kayes and Andrew Toohey all performed a final show in front of 70-plus people at the Slaughterhouse earlier this month.

Feedback was immensely positive from the participants, their family members and the audience.

Ste Blackall said: "The programme has brought me through some very dark times. With it, I've found new friends as well as new found knowledge.

"I suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder but with the help and coaching I received during an eight-week programme, I went on to the comedy course, completed it and did a six-minute set in front of an audience - something I didn't think I'd be able to do.

"In fact, it gave me such a buzz that I'm going back for more - I've got a five-minute slot at an amateur night in January now!"

Mark Haig, LFC Foundation's head of operations, said: "We work with local men to help raise awareness of the health issues that they face as well as offering encouragement and support to put new skills and knowledge into practice.

"Scousers use humour to face life everyday. Using comedy to build confidence has been a real feature of the LFC Foundation Men's Health Course and the final performance shows just what can be achieved with confidence and support."

The LFC Foundation Men's Health programme is dedicated to encouraging men to adopt healthier lifestyle choices that will help in aiming for a healthier and longer life.

It works with local males to help raise awareness of the health issues men face as well as offering encouragement and support to put new skills and knowledge into practice.

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