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Uniting for Mental Health: Charity Football Tournament

Kick Start FC, a local charity established in 2020, is pioneering an innovative approach to supporting mental health in the UK. Using football as a therapeutic tool, the charity has been helping men, women, and teenagers manage the symptoms of mental health issues and combat social isolation. With one in four people in the UK experiencing mental health problems annually, Kick Start FC is addressing a critical need through its inclusive and supportive programs.

Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, many people still face stigma and discrimination, which prevents them from seeking the help they need. Kick Start FC aims to break down these barriers by providing a safe and encouraging environment. The charity’s ethos, “tackling the mind,” symbolises its commitment to challenging societal stigmas and offering participants the tools to build mental resilience and improve their social well-being.

To further raise awareness about mental health, Kick Start FC is hosting a special event during Mental Health Awareness Week, which begins on Monday, 13th May 2024. As part of the awareness campaign, the charity is organising a football tournament, offering a platform to bring attention to this important cause.

The tournament, scheduled for Saturday, 11th May 2024, will be held at the Wellington Academy in Ludgershall. With around 60 men and women from the charity’s football therapy sessions expected to participate, the event is poised to be a significant occasion that promotes mental health awareness. The day’s schedule includes registration at 9:00 a.m. and the tournament start at 10:00 a.m. The event is open exclusively to the charity’s service users.

Kick Start FC invites everyone to attend and support the participants. The football tournament represents more than just a game; it symbolises hope, community, and the power of sport to bring people together. By attending, you are helping to break down the stigma associated with mental health and showing solidarity with those who are on a journey toward better mental health. Come and be a part of this meaningful event, where football becomes a force for good, and every goal scored is a step toward a more inclusive and understanding society.