Mental Health Friendly Places and Clubs

11/05/2026

Practical Tip #1: Plan Something to Look Forward To

Having something in the diary, big or small can give your mood a real boost, reduce stress and help you feel more in control.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy:
• A walk with a friend
• An evening of self care
• A coffee break just for you
• Trying something new

Try this:
✔ Think of something you enjoy
✔ Add it to your calendar
✔ Give yourself permission to look forward to it

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference 💚

11/05/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week 11th-17th May 2026💚

This years theme is ACTION.

Mental Health Awareness week is a reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health. Life can get overwhelming and it’s okay to not be ok at times. We are all human and life throws us curveballs.

What’s important is checking in- with yourself and with the people around you.

We are grateful to all our of our mental health friendly places and clubs as they have taken action in completing training to understand mental health and increase their confidence in having conversations and supporting others. 🥰

Let’s keep breaking the stigma, showing kindness, and creating space where everyone feels safe to talk.

Over the next 7 days we will be posting practical tips of things you can do to manage and improve your mental wellbeing. Please feel free to share these far and wide.

06/05/2026

We are continuing to shine a light on local, mental health friendly places and clubs in our community 💙

Recently, we had the chance to visit The Bridge – From Homelessness to Hope in Leicester, and it truly left an impression.

This amazing service offers so much more than just a safe space. They provide a welcoming café where people can enjoy a hot meal, along with access to showers and laundry facilities so individuals can freshen up and feel comfortable. There are also computers available, which can be a lifeline for staying connected and managing tasks.

What stood out most was the level of support available. Dedicated support workers are on hand to help with challenges around housing, finances, and other personal issues. They’re also supported by the homeless mental health team, ensuring that people receive the care and understanding they need.

Beyond practical help, there’s a real sense of community. They run a variety of activities including film club, music tuition, quizzes, and bingo, creating opportunities for connection and creating a safe space where people feel welcome.

On the day I visited, the team were preparing to take service users out for a picnic and with the beautiful weather, it couldn’t have been more perfect ☀️

Places like this remind us how powerful compassion, community, and support can be. 💙

04/05/2026

My space. My game. ⚽

AFC Market Bosworth Football Club recently welcomed the Mental Health Friendly Clubs team to their Tuesday night session — and what a session it was.

For over 20 years, they’ve been running this space for men to come together, connect with friends, unwind from daily pressures, stay active, and simply check in with each other. A powerful reminder that football is about far more than just the game.

Coach Ben shares why these sessions began and what new players can expect when attending for the first time. Dan, one of the regulars, talks about why he keeps coming back — and the difference it makes to his wellbeing.

AFC Market Bosworth have been quietly setting the standard for two decades when it comes to supporting men’s mental health. Huge congratulations on this milestone and on becoming a Mental Health Friendly Club 👏

If you’re looking for a supportive, welcoming community — this is your sign. Come and be part of it.

01/05/2026

This week we have had the pleasure of delivering Mental Health First Aid to the team at New Dawn New Day 😊

They are an amazing service supporting women across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. They offer emotional and therapeutic support to women and girls who are considered vulnerable and have multiple and complex needs.

The staff team demonstrated a high level of engagement and genuine enthusiasm throughout the Mental Health First Aid training. They actively participated in discussions, shared relevant experiences, and showed a clear commitment to deepening their understanding of mental health and how best to support the women they work with.

Well done all and congratulations on becoming mental health first aiders 👏👏

30/04/2026

LLR Su***de Bereavement Training delivered by Harmless. Spaces still available!

Su***de bereavement brings a complex grief that calls for sensitivity and compassion. The training gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to offer respectful support, break down barriers and use helpful, appropriate language. Designed for workplaces or community settings, this course will equip you to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected.

Learning outcomes:

The magnitude of su***de

Local and national prevalence

Su***de loss as a unique form of bereavement

Individual responses to trauma and ‘complicated grief’

Exposure to su***de

Stigma and taboo

Su***de bereavement as a unique risk factor

Thursday 27th August - https://events.humanitix.com/su***de-bereavement-training-cb6ukkc4
Tuesday 29th September - https://events.humanitix.com/su***de-bereavement-training-vsn7ql4c

Free live online training commissioned by Leicestershire County Council and delivered by Harmless, the centre of excellence for self harm and su***de prevention

29/04/2026

📣 Calling all sports clubs across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland!

Your club is more than just sport — it’s a community. A place where people connect, feel valued, and support one another 💚

Do you feel confident spotting when someone in your team might be struggling? Would you know how to support them?

Join our friendly information sessions to find out how your club can become a Mental Health Friendly Club.

Delivered in partnership with Active Together (Partners), this programme offers free training on mental health, wellbeing, and su***de prevention.

Together, we can create safe, supportive environments where everyone can thrive — on and off the pitch.

👉 Get involved and be part of building stronger, healthier clubs.

27/04/2026

My Space, My Game ⚽

Struggling with stress? Feeling like you’ve got to handle everything on your own? You’re not alone.

On Thursday 16th April, the MHFC team visited Blaby & District Spartans Inclusive FC for a My Space, My Game session — a space built for men to switch off, get active, and connect with others who get it. No pressure. No judgement. Just football, fresh air, and real conversation. 💬🏃‍♂️

🎥 Watch the video below where Chairman Jon Woodcock shares why the club has committed to becoming a Mental Health Friendly Club — and what you can expect when you turn up.

Massive respect to Blaby & District Spartans Inclusive FC for stepping up and supporting men’s wellbeing in their community. And big thanks to Leicestershire & Rutland County FA for backing this movement 🙌

This is more than just football. It’s about showing up, clearing your head, and knowing you don’t have to go through things alone.

Come down. Get involved. Take that first step.

24/04/2026

Huge congratulations to the teams at Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre, Ashby Leisure Centre and Lido and Parklands Leisure Centre for successfully completing their Mental Health First Aid training yesterday! 👏

Together, they now have 13 qualified MHFAiders across the sites—an incredible achievement.

It’s inspiring to see such a dedicated group committed to supporting the wellbeing of their communities and making a positive difference for everyone who visits their centres.

We’re excited to continue this journey and look forward to delivering the training to the remaining everyone active leisure centres this May!

22/04/2026

Community Highlight 💬

On 18th March, the MHFP team were warmly welcomed to the men’s support group Circulus for Men

Circulus for Men offers a safe, supportive space where men can talk openly and connect with others. There’s no judgement — it’s all about listening, reflecting, and sharing.

It was a powerful session that highlighted just how important peer support groups for men truly are.

The group also shared valuable insights for a booklet currently being developed, offering feedback on what would catch their attention and encourage men to seek support.

If you’d like to learn more about the group, founder and lead facilitator Geoff has a short introduction video here:https://youtu.be/IeG1q_kQEe8?si=6mHVIzvn4hEJKxxp

👏 Recognition to Circulus for Men for being a Mental Health Friendly Place and for their ongoing support to men across LLR.

20/04/2026

Training Update 📣

Join us on Thursday 30th April for our Healthy Conversation Skills training!

What you’ll learn:
• How to support someone to explore their own health & wellbeing
• How using effective responses can help people find their own solutions
• How to guide someone in thinking about their own behaviour change plan

💬 It all starts with a conversation.

If you’re already a MHFP/MHFC, book your place via the link in your onboarding pack.

If you’d like to register and take advantage of this free training opportunity, sign up today:
https://www.startaconversation.co.uk/in-your-community