Take Care: Tackling the mental health stigma
Monday, June 30, 2025
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Our new Take Care module is aimed at building resilience through the power of football.
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Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, shaping how individuals think, feel, and act. While it matters at every stage of life, it is especially important during childhood and adolescence, as it lays the foundation for learning, building relationships, managing emotions, and making healthy choices.
The new module of our Take Care programme explores the importance of mental health and how fostering emotional well-being can enhance performance, resilience, and overall quality of life.
Building on the first two modules on physical activity and nutrition, this new addition highlights how mental health is closely tied to everyday habits such as staying active, eating well and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
The player perspective
Helping us launch the latest module of Take Care were former England internationals Chris Kirkland and Emile Heskey, both of whom reflected on their personal experiences with mental health.
Kirkland, who struggled with anxiety and a painkiller addiction during his 18-year career, is now an outspoken mental health advocate and has been recognised for his work with various organisations on the topic.
"It took a long time for society to embrace mental health, to want to make a change and help people - but it’s here now."
"It's about the pupils, the players you’re coaching – giving them an environment to feel safe when they do need to talk. To anyone listening: keep doing what you're doing and don’t ever think you’ve done enough, because we can always do more."
Having moved into coaching after his playing career, Heskey highlighted the importance of simply being there for your players.
"At the end of the day, the players just need someone to talk to. You may not be the one to change anything, but sometimes you just need to be that person they feel comfortable enough with to actually say something."
Watch the online launch event of the latest module above, featuring an insightful panel discussion moderated by Pedro Pinto, with Kirkland and Heskey appearing alongside experts Alketa Lasku and Eleftheria Aravidou from Terre des hommes.
Tools for a healthier life
The Take Care programme is an educational initiative dedicated to enhancing health and well-being awareness among children and young people, encouraging them to adopt responsible habits and actions. It equips children and young people, as well as the key influencers in their lives—parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and staff—with the tools to adopt and integrate healthy lifestyle habits.
Watch the trailer for the latest documentary on mental health and access the full programme below.