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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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK TOURNAMENT
Monday 12th May 2025
Every year we play host to a football tournament in May to observe Mental Health Awareness Week. To help us shine a spotlight on such an important date in the mental health calendar, invited service users from our Men's, Women's and Walking Football Therapy sessions to play their part and participate. Using the 6 aside format, we had over 55 service users across 8 teams, boasting names such as Support County, Wellness Wanderers, Mind City and Self Care Athletic to mark the occasion.
With 1 in 4 people here in the UK experiencing a mental health problem each year, it's important for those struggling in silence to know that they are not alone. 9 out of 10 people with mental health problems say that stigma has a negative effect on their lives. By hosting events such as our Mental Health Awareness Week Tournament we can challenge stereotypes and break down barriers, hopefully encouraging more people to seek help or to proactively take the first step to recovery.
With over 2 million people on the waiting list for mental health support. We are committed to raising awareness of our services to ensure people in our local community can access an intervention whilst they wait for professional support.
Check out some of the photos from our Mental Health Awareness Week Tournament.
Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation. Charity no. 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association
Confidentiality Policy
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
FA Mental Health Guide For Coaches
England Football Respect Campaign
