the Gloucestershire FA took part in the Recent #KickUpChallenge!

This great initiative seeks to raise awareness of mental health in young people, giving them the confidence to open up and talk about a very important, and personal topic.

The aim of the challenge is to raise awareness of young people’s mental health and raise money for charity, YoungMinds.  Sadly, one in eight children and young people have a diagnosable mental health problem, and suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 45. We need to spread the message to anyone struggling with their mental health that they are not alone and encourage them to talk to someone about how they feel.

This challenge was developed by Paula Henley and Emma Burke.  Tragically, Paula’s step-son took his own life because he struggled to talk about his mental health and this is the catalyst behind setting up the challenge.  Paula and Emma approached YoungMinds, who immediately engaged with the idea and are supporting the challenge.

What you need to do:

1. Choose three friends who you’re going to nominate, and let them know

   Think of three friends you can nominate to do the challenge too – it’s also a good idea to give them a heads up and check they’re free and happy to be involved

    

2. Make your video

   Some more tips on making your video below

    

3. Post your video!

   The challenge is being officially launched on saturday 4th   morning – we’d love you to take part from 09:30am by sharing your posts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook tagging the three friends you’ve nominated and hashtagging #KickUpChallenge

    

4. Donate to YoungMinds

Text YOUNGMINDS to 70660 to donate £2.  You can donate any amount up to £10 – to donate any other amount please text YOUNGMINDS followed by the donation amount.  For example YOUNGMINDS £5 to 70660.

Making your video:

• The video doesn’t need to be polished – we want as many people to do this as possible, so doing it on your phone and uploading straight away is perfect!

   

• If possible, ask a friend to take the video while you do the challenge

   

• If you can, look at the camera to tag your three friends and say why you’re taking part in the #KickUpChallenge

   

• Have fun! If you’ve got a fun idea for doing your 10 kick ups, go for it – they can be whatever you like

   

• Don’t forget to mention to donate by texting YOUNGMINDS to 70660

Social media posts:

If you don’t know what to say in your social media post – here’s an example to get you started!

Twitter:

This is my #KickUpChallenge to raise money for @YoungMindsUK & help young people struggling with their mental health know they’re not alone. @xxxxxxx @xxxxxx and @xxxxxx now it’s your go! 

[Upload with video]

Thread: And don’t forget to donate £2 by texting YOUNGMINDS to 70660

[screenshot of your text to donate]

Facebook & Instagram :

This is my #KickUpChallenge to raise money for YoungMinds and help young people struggling with their mental health know they’re not alone. @xxxxxxx @xxxxxx and @xxxxxx now it’s your go. Don’t forget to donate £2 by texting YOUNGMINDS to 70660!

[Upload with video]