Football West launches 2025 Kick off the Conversation mental health program for clubs
Football West and its partner Healthway are inviting clubs to sign up for the 2025 Kick off the Conversation program.
This is the second year of Kick off the Conversation, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the football community. More than 60 clubs were involved in 2024.
The initiative is designed to raise awareness, provide educational resources and empower club wellbeing champions to lead meaningful conversations about mental health.
By participating, clubs will gain the knowledge and tools to:
- Foster a positive, supportive environment
- Respond to mental health challenges more effectively
- Appoint a wellbeing officer
- Implement a mental health and wellbeing policy tailored to your club
- Stay informed about mental health events and opportunities offered by Football West and our mental health partners
To register your club, visit the Kick off the Conversation webpage and access the resources to get started or continue building a healthy club environment.
Mental Health Awareness sessions
To celebrate the launch of Kick off the Conversation for 2025, Football West has partnered with HelpingMinds to deliver two Mental Health Awareness sessions – one in-person and the other online:
In-person session
Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 6-7.30pm
Location: Sam Kerr Football Centre, 305 Welshpool Road, Queens Park
Cost: Free
Light refreshments included
Online session
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: 6-7.30pm
Location: Webinar (link to be provided upon registration)
Topics covered in these sessions:
- Mental Health Basics: An overview of mental health and mental health challenges, strategies to support someone with signs of mental health challenges, how and where to access professional mental health support
- Boost Your Wellbeing: Risk factors for mental health challenges, managing stress, mental health mindfulness activities and strategies to improve physical health
Click HERE to register for the Mental Health Awareness sessions presented by HelpingMinds.
Think Mental Health Round
Football West is excited to announce the return of the Think Mental Health Round in July. More information will follow soon.
This year, the program will focus on building capacity at clubs, with an emphasis on upskilling those who play a key role in promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Clubs that completed the Kick off the Conversation program in 2024 will be offered the opportunity to further support their community by nominating a wellbeing officer or club representative to complete Mental Health First Aid training or workshop.
NB: Places for the course are limited and eligibility criteria apply. More information will be shared directly with eligible clubs.