Patrick Foster and Bobby Copping share their experiences of loneliness with the students at Nescot College during Mental Health Awareness Week #28NOTOUT
The Mintridge Foundation visit Nescot to share why mental health matters during two fantastic Max Hunter Fund Programmes during our Mental Health Awareness Week Roadshow with Patrick Foster and Bobby Copping #28NOTOUT
“Sport has been a great part of my recovery.”
Patrick Foster and Bobby Copping certainly got the students at Nescot College listening, thinking and taking action during our Max Hunter Fund Programmes during our Mental Health Awareness Week Roadshow.
With two incredible stories to tell, relevant journeys to reflect on and messages about the importance of looking after your mental health, it was no surprise that the students were hooked on the stories and words of advice our two inspirational Ambassadors shared, during these very special 28NOTOUT Max Hunter Fund programmes.
Patrick Foster shared his harrowing lived experiences of addiction and mental health with a number of the students and enlightened them on the dangers of neglecting their mental health when faced with a setback. With the lows though have been some incredible learnings and life-affirming moments, and Patrick shared some brilliant insights with the students about what they can do to support themselves and others in all areas of their lives; simple changes to our dialogue with friends to grasping the opportunities that life presents you. These are changes that Patrick has altered significantly. Is “man up” when you break up with a girlfriend really the term that should be used as an example?
Patrick shared their stories with raw emotion and vulnerability, which really hit home with the students involved in our day. Key themes remained throughout about how we can all maintain and improve our mental health but remain true to the fun and close environment that team sport and being part of a community can bring.
One of the key reasons the Max Hunter Fund is supporting programmes like this is to raise awareness of looking after your own mental health and to ensure that everyone knows where they can get support when they need it the most.
This vital fund enabled us to travel to Nescot College, a college with both a sports and animal and land based focus, to support those just like Max, and highlight the help that is available for the agricultural community. This fund was created by the Foundation in his memory and you can read more about it here.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Patrick and Bobby both shared their thoughts, lessons and useful tips on supporting your own mental health, as well as sharing other resources with the students, like this video from Joe Marler and his “Big Boys Don’t Cry” documentary.
“Talking to someone is the only reason I am still here now.”
Our Ambassador, Bobby Copping, joined the students at Nescot College for a very inspirational Max Hunter Fund Programme as part of our Mental Health Awareness Week Roadshow.
Bobby Copping is a former professional footballer with an incredible story to tell. Not only did Bobby make it at a young age as a professional in the sport he loved after years of hard work, he also lost it all in a split second, which changed his football dream forever.
As part of this fund, The Mintridge Foundation are raising awareness and supporting young people at agricultural colleges and sports clubs across the country, to show the power of conversation, reaching out and seeking help when you need it most.
Bobby is a brilliant role model and example of this, which is why he shared his story and experiences in football with the students at Nescot during this programme.
In the infancy of a lifelong professional football career, which he had poured his heart and soul into from a young age, Bobby very quickly had to retire at the start of his career because of a debilitating concussion, which still affects him now.
“The perception is to ‘man up’ and get on with it. We need to challenge that perception and be more open and support those around us a lot more!”
The journeys through the highs and severe lows so far really highlighted the importance of having a support network around you. Bobby shared some key messages with the students which was brilliant for them to hear how he coped with his really low points and what he did to get back to his life when he thought he has lost himself.
“What is the point anymore? What options do I have?”
After listening to Bobby’s story, the students took the opportunity to ask him any questions that could help them with their own lives. Some of the best questions were:
When you were in a dark place, who did you talk to?
How did you start the conversation with the people around you when you were feeling low?
How can we help someone else in your position?
Are football clubs encouraging more players to have a backup career?
Did you find out what was making you lose your vision?
Are you allowed to take part in any other sports?
Who is the best player you have ever played against?
How do you cope with high-pressure scenarios or trials?
Were there times in your life when you were unmotivated or couldn’t be bothered?
After his inspirational presentation, Bobby worked with the sports students from Nescot during the football coaching sessions, to show them how to work and train like a professional footballer. The students relished their opportunity to play against Bobby in these sessions and see some of his top footballing skills in action too.
This was a perfect opportunity for the students to learn more about the opportunities in football and everyone left the session feeling like they could contribute to someone else feeling better about themselves through sport and playing football.
We are grateful to the Max Hunter Fund for supporting this programme and enabling Bobby to share his story and experiences during Mental Health Awareness Week.
You can find out more about the Max Hunter Fund here and read more about Bobby’s story on our website. Other resources shared on the day included:
Thank you very much to Patrick Foster and Bobby Copping for your support in our mission to harness the power of sporting role models in tackling physical and mental wellbeing in young people.
If you would like to understand more about our programmes with elite athletes and how they can support the young people at your school or club, please contact Katie Smith.
If you are considering supporting the Mintridge Foundation as a business, organisation or as an individual, head to our SUPPORT US page below.
The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport.
Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as Fitswarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.
The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.
The Mintridge Foundation
Unit 4, Shieling Court
Northfolds Road
Corby
Northants
NN18 9QD
Tel: +44 (0) 1536 447106
www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk
