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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HOME TACKLING THE MIND
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ABOUT US
Founded in 2020, Kick Start FC is a mental health charity that uses football as a tool to help men and women manage the symptoms of mental health problems and reduce social isolation. 1 in 4 people here in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Although mental health problems are common, many people still don't get the help they need due to the stigma that attaches itself to the subject. These barriers can make a person feel afraid to reach out and prevent them from seeking the help or the treatment they need to improve their mental health. By using the power of football and the ethos of 'tackling the mind', we are breaking down these barriers and offering service users a safe space that allows them to build the tools towards mental resilience and improve their social wellbeing.
OUR MISSION
To encourage those who are struggling to manage symptoms of poor mental health, mental ill health, or social isolation to "kick start" their journey to recovery, and offer an intervention to help people develop the tools to ease the symptoms of a mental health problem.
OUR VALUES
To ensure that the football pitch remains a safe space for all of our service users and create an environment where everyone in attendance can enjoy participating in football therapy sessions without the fear of being judged or labelled.
OUR VISION
To make conversations surrounding mental health and social isolation just as easy as having a conversation about football. and that those struggling with mental ill health and social isolation can be included in football organisations around the globe.
OUR IMPACT
170
Registered users for our football therapy services in 2023.
167
Hours of FREE football therapy sessions delivered in 2023.
2
Awards received for recognition of our service in 2023.
Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation. Charity no. 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association
