On Friday the 8th of March, known worldwide as International Women’s Day, local mental health charity Kick Start FC is seizing the opportunity to shine a spotlight on women’s mental health issues. Partnering with Her Game Too, Kick Start FC aims to spread awareness and advocate for women’s mental health through the platform of football.
Since 2021, Kick Start FC has been dedicated to supporting women from diverse backgrounds in managing their mental health through football. In the UK, statistics reveal that 1 in 5 women will experience a common mental health problem, and they are twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety and depression.
Despite the increasing comfort among women in seeking support for their mental health, stigma remains a significant challenge. Shockingly, a fifth of young women who have sought help report being dismissed as “dramatic” or having their issues attributed to their menstrual cycles.
Furthermore, concerning trends in suicide rates among women under 25 in the UK highlight the importance of addressing stereotypes and biases that hinder women from receiving appropriate support and understanding when they seek help.
Recently, Kick Start FC forged a partnership with Her Game Too, a voluntary campaign driven by passionate female football fans dedicated to fostering positive change in football and sports at large. Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to raise awareness and promote inclusivity and diversity in sports, emphasizing the positive impact on mental well-being.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, female service users of Kick Start FCV will participate in a friendly football fixture at the Portway Stadium, home of Andover Town FC, on Friday, March 8th. This event not only commemorates the day but also underscores the availability of support for women grappling with mental health challenges.
Michael Cunningham, representing Kick Start FCV, expressed gratitude to Sparshot College and Andover Town FC for their support in elevating this occasion. He emphasized, “We have women from all walks of life attend our football therapy sessions… Mental health doesn’t discriminate… This fixture is a great opportunity to showcase what our charity is all about.”
The event details are as follows:
Date: Friday, March 8th, 2024
Venue: Andover Town FC, Portway Stadium
Kick Off: 19:45
Entry Fee: Free
For more information on Kick Start FCV, please visit www.kickstartfc.org.
By partnering with Her Game Too and organizing this event, Kick Start FC aims to not only raise awareness but also encourage more individuals to access their services, demonstrating their commitment to supporting women’s mental health through the power of football.
