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Kick Start FC In The Community

At Kick Start FC, we believe that strong communities play a vital role in supporting positive mental health and wellbeing. While our football therapy programme remains at the heart of what we do, our commitment to improving mental health extends far beyond the football pitch.

Our Kick Start FC In The Community Project is designed to bring people together, create meaningful connections, and break down the barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking support. We use the power of conversation, shared experiences, and local engagement to promote better mental health for everyone.

Feeling connected to others is one of the most important factors in maintaining good mental health. A supportive community can help reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety while creating a sense of belonging and purpose.

Despite growing awareness of mental health, stigma and misunderstanding still prevent many people from speaking openly about how they are feeling.

At Kick Start FC, we believe that conversations can change lives. By encouraging open, honest, and supportive discussions about mental health, we help create environments where people feel comfortable talking about their challenges and seeking support when they need it.

Every conversation helps challenge misconceptions, increase understanding, and remind people that they are not alone. Through education, awareness, and community engagement, we are working to normalise discussions around mental health and make support more accessible to all.

We recognise that many people face challenges that can leave them feeling disconnected from those around them. Through our community projects, we create welcoming and inclusive spaces where individuals can build relationships, share experiences, and access support without judgement.

Whether it's joining a group walk, attending a workshop, or meeting us at a local event, every interaction helps strengthen the connections that are so important for emotional wellbeing.

Our Walk & Talk group is a friendly, welcoming space for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh air, gentle movement, and supportive conversation. Whether you’re taking the first steps toward improving your wellbeing or simply looking to connect with others, you’re warmly invited to join us.

Spending time outdoors is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support both mental and physical health. Fresh air, natural surroundings, and light exercise can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Even a short walk can help clear the mind, improve sleep, and create a greater sense of calm and balance.

When combined with relaxed conversation and a supportive group, walking becomes even more powerful. Sharing a walk with others can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, helping people feel more connected, listened to, and supported. Many people find that walking side-by-side makes conversation feel easier and more natural, without the pressure of formal settings.

Our group is open to everyone, regardless of fitness level or experience. There’s no pressure to talk, share, or keep up a certain pace — simply come as you are. Some people join for the conversation, others for the fresh air and movement, and many for a bit of both.

Walk & Talk is about creating a safe, positive space where people can support their wellbeing in a gentle and accessible way. Every step, every conversation, and every connection can make a difference.

Our Walk & Talk group runs fortnightly on Saturday mornings with a meeting time of 10:00. If you would like to come along, look on our social media pages for our next session.

At different times in life, we all face challenges — whether personally or through supporting someone around us. Sometimes, simply understanding mental health and knowing how to support others can make a real difference. Our Mental Health Awareness Workshop is designed to help people feel more confident talking about mental health, recognising when someone may be struggling, and learning how to offer support in a positive and understanding way.

The workshop provides a welcoming space where people can learn, ask questions, and better understand the importance of mental wellbeing in everyday life.

Mental health awareness helps create communities where people feel safe, supported, and comfortable speaking openly. Too often, people struggle in silence because they worry about being judged or misunderstood. By encouraging conversations around mental health, we can help break down stigma and remind people they are not alone.

The workshop is practical, engaging, and open to everyone — no previous experience or knowledge is needed.

During the session, delegates will:

Learn more about mental health and wellbeing
Recognise common signs of mental health challenges
Understand the impact stigma can have
Learn simple ways to manage stress and support wellbeing
Build confidence in having supportive conversations
Learn how to guide people towards appropriate support
Explore the Five Ways to Wellbeing and how they can support everyday mental health

Our Mental Health Awareness Workshop is completely FREE to attend and open to anyone aged 16+ who wants to learn more about mental health and wellbeing. The workshops are delivered both in-person and online, making them accessible and flexible for people across our community.

All you need to bring is yourself and an open mind.

Kick Start FC Mental Health Awareness Worshop

Our vision is simple: to create healthier, more connected communities where everyone feels supported, understood, and empowered to look after their mental wellbeing.

Through football therapy, community engagement, education, and conversation, Kick Start FC is helping to break down stigma, strengthen connections, and ensure that nobody has to face their challenges alone.

Together, we can create a community where mental health matters and where support is always within reach.