WHAT IS HEADSTART?

I have seen firsthand the positive benefits football has on people's mental health, particularly non-competitive football. This inspired me to create a space where individuals can enjoy taking part in activities that improve their physical and mental wellbeing, promote social connections and create a safe space for people to express themselves.  

I am extremely passionate about supporting individuals with their mental health through non-traditional appraches. My goal is to create accessible, welcoming spaces where individuals feel comfortable reaching out for the support that they need.  

The main reason I wanted to create HeadStart was because of the ways football has helped me develop and improve my mental health.Alongside experiencing positive effects of football, I  have also experienced the negative side of competitive football and the ways in which it can deter people from participating and counteract the wellbeing benefits of football. 

I wanted to create a safe space for people to experience non-competitive football where the focus is on physical activity, building social connections and improving wellbeing. 

Volunteering with HeadStart has allowed me to see how much of an impact our sessions and events have on people's wellbeing. You can see how much people look forward to the weekly sessions just by watching them play! Meeting up with such lovely people every week really helps your own wellbeing and highlights the importance of having such organisations available to people of all abilities, especially those who have struggled with their mental health.

I wanted to volunteer for HeadStart because I have experienced how football has helped my mental health and wanted to help other people in the same way. 

I also enjoy taking part in the sessions to improve my own mental wellbeing.

I am a compassionate and resilient individual who understands first-hand the challenges that can come with mental health struggles. Through my own personal experiences, I have gained empathy, strength, and a deep appreciation for the importance of support and understanding. I feel truly honoured to be involved with HeadStart because I know how powerful the right guidance and encouragement can be. I am passionate about giving back and helping others feel less alone on their journey, offering hope, compassion, and reassurance as they navigate their own paths toward wellbeing. 

I am a dedicated mental health professional working in care, supporting individuals with mental health needs with compassion and understanding. Alongside my hands-on role, I deliver mental health awareness sessions and contribute to strategic planning, helping organisations create supportive and effective environments. I’m a bubbly and empathetic person who is passionate about helping others recognise their strengths and reach their full potential. I want to work with Headstart as I have seen how it has helped transform my family members lives. 

I have grew up in Liverpool and I went to Fazakerley High School then joined the Leadership through Sport and Business charity programme which is a charity for ‘disadvantaged young people’. Through this I got a job working in audit and I have been there since, going from entry level to senior team leader. I am also involved in the HeadStart after being an attendee due to personal issues and after seeing how much it can help people, I wouldn’t want that taken away from them.