We launched at The Community Shield at the beginning of August, and now we’re off to Hendon FC with The Duke of Cambridge to find out more about the incredible mental health initiatives they are running to improve support in their community.
The Duke first met the team behind an outreach programme Hendon FC run with Brent Early Years Intervention Service. The programme harnesses the power of sport and the difference physical activity and community can make on a person’s well being. It gives people in the community who are experiencing mental health problems an opportunity to play football every week – training in tailored sessions, and playing competitive games as the Hendon FC Mental Health team.
His Royal Highness joined some of the team members on the pitch during one of their training sessions, talk about some of their experiences, and understand more about the difference this community project has made in their lives.
The Duke then met some of the club’s coaches ahead of their first fixture in the FA cup this weekend, to talk about the important role mental health and wellbeing can play in professional sport. They’ll also discuss the new guidance for coaches that The FA developed with Mind and released this week to help coaches and managers better support the wellbeing of their players!
Finally, he spoke with some of the clubs fans and supporters – some of whom have experienced mental health issues themselves – to discuss how football and the sense of community it provides can play an important role on their journey to recovery.
If you need immediate support, you can text ‘Heads Up’ to 85258 anytime day or night and chat by text with a trained volunteer to share what is worrying you.
Otherwise, click on the button below to find out more about the Mental Health Coaching Guidance The FA launched earlier this week.
