TESTIMONIALS
"My first session was pre-lockdown and I was a little anxious beforehand. I wanted to meet new people as I am relatively new to the local area. What I enjoy now is that it is a consistent social activity and all the guys who turn up are spot on. It's also a good opportunity to talk about mental health if I ever needed to speak out." - Oliver Ryan
"My first session was back in March time just before the lockdown period. I had seen a post advertising Kick Start FC on Facebook and thought I would give it a try. I have always enjoyed playing football and the guys who turn up are a good laugh I have enjoyed coming to the sessions. It’s also a great way to speak out if you have anything on your mind. I would totally recommend it." - Rob Yates
TESTIMONIALS
"My first session was pre-lockdown and I was a little anxious beforehand. I wanted to meet new people as I am relatively new to the local area. What I enjoy now is that it is a consistent social activity and all the guys who turn up are spot on. It's also a good opportunity to talk about mental health if I ever needed to speak out." - Oliver Ryan
"My first session was back in March time just before the lockdown period. I had seen a post advertising Kick Start FC on Facebook and thought I would give it a try. I have always enjoyed playing football and the guys who turn up are a good laugh I have enjoyed coming to the sessions. It’s also a great way to speak out if you have anything on your mind. I would totally recommend it." - Rob Yates
How do I talk about my mental health?
Putting your feelings into words is sometimes difficult. It’s perfectly normal to be worried that you might say the wrong thing or explain it badly. It’s also natural to feel anxious that your loved one or friend might think your mental health is worse than you might feel it is.
Try not to worry – talking about your mental health is incredibly important when it comes to getting the right support for you and with the right preparation the conversation can be easier than you think it might be. Here are a few tips on how to talk about your mental health.
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Created with the purpose of 'Tackling The Mind', Kick Start FC are using the power of football to offer support to men and women who experience episodes of poor mental health and lack social inclusion.
Launched in February 2020, Kick Start FC aim to provide a safe space in the form of a football pitch for men and women who suffer with poor mental health or lack of social inclusion. Through their football therapy sessions, Kick Start FC are helping participants break down barriers and begin their journey to understanding mental health and aiding them in their recovery.
Playing football can help improve symptoms of mental health issues such as depression and stress, offer an increase in self-esteem levels, and can also help to reduce anxiety. Football can also help to challenge the stigma that attaches itself to the subject of mental health.
By using a popular sport like Football, Kick Start FC are able to encourage more people to start thinking about their mental wellbeing and open up about their mental health instead of suffering in silence. Kicking off a conversation isn't always easy but it is vital to managing our mental health.
For some people, physical activity such as playing football can be just as powerful as medicine or therapy. Exercise releases natural chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins that help you feel good. These are better known as 'Happy Hormones' or 'Brain Boosters'.
It also helps to release muscle tension, raises the body temperature and causes tiredness which helps to relieve stress and provide relaxation – this is of particular benefit for people with mental health problems.
The Kick Start FC football therapy sessions are run by a team of volunteers and are open to anyone aged 16 and over, and experiences episodes of poor mental health or lack social inclusion. All footballing abilities and fitness levels are welcome, even if you have never played football before. These football therapy sessions are FREE to attend. All participants are required to complete a registration form as part of an initial assessment.
MEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY
Thursdays
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7SB
1900-2000
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY
Thursdays
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7SB
2000-2100
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
WALKING FOOTBALL THERAPY
Wednesday
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7SB
1845-1945
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over