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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
11
12
13
HOME TACKLING THE MIND
Follow us on:
LATEST
Check out the latest news and updates surrounding Kick Start FC. For further information regarding our football therapy sessions, in the community projects and fundraising events, please see our social media pages.
Monday 15th December 2025
KICK START FC MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WORKSHOP IS LAUNCHING
We are delighted to share that we will soon be launching our very own Kick Start FC Mental Health Awareness Workshop, created to support and empower individuals within our local community. This workshop has been designed to help people gain a stronger understanding of mental health, break down common misconceptions, and encourage more open and supportive conversations around emotional wellbeing.
Wednesday 10th December 2025
KICK START FC CELEBRATE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR
Last weekend we held our third annual Kick Start FC End Of Year awards – a special night where we shine a light on the incredible journeys of our service users and celebrate the powerful progress made through the year. This isn't just an event - it's a celebration of resilience, growth, and community.
Friday 28th November 2025
SAFE HAVEN MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT GALA 2025
The Safe Haven Project Mental Health Gala has now reached its fifth year, bringing together over 150 guests annually to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. This inspiring event not only shines a light on crucial issues affecting our communities but also raises vital funds for local charities supporting people with mental health challenges and for projects run by the Safe Haven Mental Health Project.
Thursday 23rd October 2025
KICK START FC FOUNDER WINS AT THE PRIDE OF ANDOVER AWARDS
The Pride Of Andover Awards is an annual celebration where businesses, charities, and community groups come together to recognise the hard work, dedication, and impact of those who go above and beyond for the local community. This year, the awards proved extra special for Kick Start FC, as our founder, Michael Cunningham, was honoured for his outstanding contribution in the Sports Award category.
Monday 19th May 2025
UP FOR THE CUP - MENTAL HEALTH WORLD CUP 2025
Over the past six years, there has been an annual Mental Health World Cup tournament held at Loftus Road Stadium, home of Queens Park Rangers FC. This year, the hosts ok the UK's leading charity tournament invited our charity to enter two teams and play our part in raising awareness of suicide prevention.
Monday 12th May 2025
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
This past weekend we kicked off Mental Health Awareness Week by hosting our annual football tournament which include over 50 service users from all of our football therapy sessions. With the theme this year being 'community' it was a great opportunity to bring the Kick Start FC community together and shine a spotlight on an important week in the mental health calendar.
Wednesday 29th January 2025
SEEK TO PROTECT LTD PARTNERSHIP
We are excited to announce a brand new partnership with local insurance protection company Seek To Protect LTD. Based in Ludgershall, Seek To Protect provide reliable insurance solutions that offer peace of mind for the future. With over a decade of industry experience, their mission is simple: to protect what matters most.
Monday 9th December 2024
KICK START FC END OF YEAR AWARDS 2024
We invited everyone associated with Kick Start FC to our second annual End Of Year Celebrations. Throughout the evening we were able to reflect on the hard work of everyone involved in running the charity, offer thanks to all of our volunteers, and commemorate the progress our service users have made on their journey to positive mental health.
Monday 18th November 2024
SALISBURY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS GALA 2024
We recently attended the fourth annual Salisbury Mental Health Gala at the Salisbury Guildhall where over 100 guests came together to raise funds for charity and shine a spotlight on mental health and suicide prevention. Kick Start FC were chosen as one of two beneficiaries for a third year in the row and Kick Start FC founder Michael Cunningham was once again invited to be one the guest speakers for the evening.
Friday 13th October 2024
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2024
To play our part this World Mental Health Day, we invited service users from our Men's, Women's and Walking Football Therapy sessions to participate in a World Mental Health Day Football Tournament. Using the 6 aside format, we had over 55 service users across 8 teams, boasting names such as Mind City, Support County and Wellness Wanderers.
Friday 13th September 2024
A group of Kick Start FC volunteers and service users have completed a 71 mile walk from Ludgershall, Wiltshire and ending their journey at Wembley Stadium. The aim of the two-day walk was to shine a spotlight on suicide prevention, whilst raising money to help keep our football therapy services accessible for those who need mental health support.
Get Involved
Football Therapy Registration Form
Mental Health Awareness Workshop
Legal Information
Confidentiality Policy
Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation. Charity no. 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association
Working in partnership with:
Campaign Against Living Miserably
Resources
FA Mental Health Guide For Coaches
England Football Respect Campaign