Story
To be honest without the football I don't know where I would be now or how my life had gone. Football has literally improved my life in so many ways, socially, physically, mentally, experiences, memories to say a few. I have made so many friends from football that I wouldn't have met if Mind in Kingston hadn't done this project."
Kingstonian Mind United FC is an inclusive mixed amateur football club for people aged 18 and over, with mental health issues in Kingston upon Thames. It is run by Mind in Kingston and was founded back in 2003. It offers a safe, non-judgemental space for people to play football with ongoing support from Mind in Kingston staff and volunteers. It aims to increase physical and mental wellbeing, improve confidence, reduce social isolation and encourage social activities and peer support. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to play in competitive amateur football matches and to learn new or improve existing football skills.
I struggle with my confidence because of my mental health difficulties and the environment at football allows me to express myself.
The project is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in the Royal Borough of Kingston and who has a mental health condition. People can either self-refer or be referred by a GP, someone from the CMHT, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. The referral process is simple and new members have the opportunity to meet the staff and team prior to joining.
I would just like to thank Mind in Kingston for all their efforts. They not only improve lives, they save lives too.
Welcoming, encouraging, supportive, patient, understanding are all words I would use. But, actually, it goes beyond that... the manner in which support is offered feels very personal. I have a real sense of myself and the other participants being genuinely cared about, in a way that I'm grateful for beyond words.