Community football and wellbeing session launches Mental Health Awareness Week in Brighton
Posted on 15 May 2026
Earlier this week, UOK teamed up with Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation to kick off Mental Health Awareness Week with a free community football and wellbeing session in Brighton. Held on Monday, 11 May at Brighton Youth Centre, the event brought people together in a welcoming and supportive environment designed to encourage movement, connection, and positive mental wellbeing.
The session featured football and light physical activities in a relaxed, no-pressure setting, alongside opportunities for attendees to socialise and access optional wellbeing advice and support. Participants were also invited to complete pledge cards, sharing one action they would take to support their wellbeing, reflecting this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme: Action.
UOK Brighton & Hove Partnership Lead Brooke Joyce said, “We’re delighted to have partnered with Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation on this event. It was a fantastic opportunity for people to come together, get moving, and try something new in a supportive environment. Staying active can have a powerful impact on our mental wellbeing. Activities like football not only improve physical health, but also help people build confidence, connect with others, and feel part of a community – all of which are vital for good mental health.”
Dan Garrett, Community Wellbeing Manager at Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, added, “Football can play a huge role in supporting people’s mental health. At the Foundation, we deliver regular free sessions across Brighton & Hove that help people develop confidence and build stronger connections through the power of football. We were thrilled to launch Mental Health Awareness Week alongside UOK with this special community session.”
UOK Brighton & Hove is a partnership of more than 20 local organisations working together to support mental health and wellbeing across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. For support and information, visit www.uok.org.uk, call 0808 196 1768 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm), or email chat@uok.org.uk.
Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation is the award-winning official charity of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. For more than 35 years, the Foundation – previously known as Albion in the Community – has used the power of football to help people across Sussex get active, live well, and learn new skills. More information is available at www.bhafcfoundation.org.uk.
