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
ABOUT US
We are Kick Start FC, a mental health charity based in Wiltshire that provides peer support in the form of football therapy. Using the power of football and an ethos of 'tackling the mind', we offer a safe and non-judgemental space that allows people to build the tools towards mental resilience. Our aim is to help ease the burden of those who are struggling with poor mental health, social isolation and loneliness.
Here in the UK, 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 6 children will experience a mental health problem. However, due to the stigma that surrounds itself to mental health, many of us don't get the help we need. By using football as a tool, we are challenging these barriers and encouraging people to 'tackle the mind'.
More and more people are beginning to appreciate the positive impact that playing sport or joining a community group can have on their mental wellbeing. Participating in sporting activities such as football have been proven to help ease symptoms of mental health problems such as depression and stress, offer an increase in self-esteem, and can also help reduce levels of anxiety. For some people, physical activity such as playing football can be just as powerful as medicine or therapy.
Our football therapy sessions are specifically designed to help participants manage symptoms of poor mental wellbeing, and encourage social inclusion.
Mental Benefits Of Football Therapy
. Access your positive brain chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin
. Increase both your mental and physical wellbeing
. Work on improving your self-esteem and increasing your confidence levels
. Focus on achieving goals and gain a sense of achievement
. Start to develop a positive mindset
Social Benefits Of Football Therapy
. Develop relationships and build a support network for your mental health
. Improve your communication skills
. Gain a sense of belonging and be part of a team
. Be provided opportunities to learn and talk about mental health
. Reduce stigma
Volunteer with us
Join us and help provide peer support to people in our local community who are struggling with their mental health, or mental ill health. Click here to contact us.
Donate
Make the decision today to donate to Kick Start FC and provide peer support for someone who is struggling with their mental health.
MEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY
Thursdays
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
1900-2000
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY
Thursdays
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
2000-2100
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
WALKING FOOTBALL THERAPY
Wednesday
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
1845-1945
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
YOUTH FOOTBALL THERAPY
Tuesday
Wellington Academy, SP11 9RR
1915-2030
FREE
Open to aged 11 - 16
OUR MISSION
To encourage those who are struggling to manage symptoms of poor mental health or mental ill health to "kick start" their journey to recovery. Our mission is to provide an early intervention and help people develop tools to ease the burden through football therapy.
OUR VALUES
To ensure that the football pitch remains a safe space for all participants, and to create an environment where everyone can enjoy playing football without feeling judged. Our primary focus is promoting positive mental health and social inclusion.
OUR VISION
That conversations surrounding mental health are just as easy to have as they are about football. We want to use football to break down barriers to reduce the stigma that surrounds itself around mental health, and use it to provide support for those struggling.
Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation. Charity no. 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association
