Last weekend, ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May), all top-flight matches, including the Hammers' trip to Manchester United, were dedicated to the Premier League’s ‘Inside Matters’ campaign, encouraging fans to check in on those around them.
To spotlight the importance of emotional wellbeing, managers and players from the division, including West Ham United Head Coach Graham Potter and captain Jarrod Bowen, took part in a special film where they surprised their brothers with a phone call.
After his call, Potter said: “Being inside your own head sometimes isn’t that positive. We all struggle at times with our thinking, with our thoughts. Sometimes they’re really helpful to us, sometimes they’re not. Sometimes that chat, that conversation with somebody else, and getting a different perspective, can be really positive.”
At West Ham United Foundation, these values are deeply embedded in our work. Mental health is not just a campaign, it’s a year-round commitment, rooted in our belief that football has the power to transform lives.
Using football as a force for good
“Our roots run deep in east London, and with that comes a responsibility to our community,” said Joseph Lyons, CEO of West Ham United Foundation. “Football has the power to connect and inspire. It’s what I like to call our ‘magic fairy dust’, and we use that to create innovative partnerships that change lives.”
One such innovation is the Talking Tactics programme, a collaboration with the NHS designed to support young people in building confidence, emotional resilience and long-term wellbeing. Through one-to-one mentoring, participants learn how to set goals, manage emotions and develop strategies to cope with life’s challenges.
Mental health affects everyone regardless of age, background or situation, and our work reflects that. From young children in primary schools to older adults in our community programmes, the Foundation offers tailored initiatives that foster wellbeing and build meaningful connections.
Supporting our community
Our commitment to mental health is reflected in a range of carefully developed programmes:
- Primary Care Network (PCN): Delivers personalised mental health support in collaboration with NHS partners.
- Premier League Kicks & Inspires: Helps young people manage emotions, develop self-esteem and make positive life choices.
- Premier League Primary Stars: Supports children through activities that encourage emotional literacy and resilience.
- Training Ground+: Offers workshops and physical activity for young adults, focusing on personal and professional development.
- Any Old Irons & Walking Football: Provides older supporters with opportunities for social connection, fitness and mental wellbeing.
Through these programmes and many others, the Foundation creates a network of support that spans generations, always rooted in the values of care, community and connection.
Creating impact through partnership
Our work wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships across health, education and sports sectors. Our collaboration with the NHS Foundation Trust is a shining example of what can be achieved when football clubs work closely with local health services.
“The NHS was clearly in need of support, and partnering a Club Community Organisation with its local NHS Foundation Trust has proven to be a powerful model,” Lyons added. “Looking forward, we aim to scale this model further to tackle not only mental health, but wider societal issues such as poverty, crime and inequality.”
Shout: 24/7 support for fans
To ensure fans can access professional help when they need it, the Premier League is partnering with Shout, a free and confidential 24/7 text service run by Mental Health Innovations. By texting SHOUT to 85258, fans can receive immediate support from trained volunteers, supervised in real-time by clinical experts.
As part of Inside Matters, the Premier League is funding Shout’s helpline services throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, underscoring the league’s commitment to long-term mental health support.
Keep the conversation going
Football connects us. It gives us moments to cheer, reflect and come together. At West Ham United Foundation, we believe these moments are opportunities not just to celebrate the game, but to support one another in meaningful ways.
If you or someone you know needs support, text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential mental health assistance.
