Last week, AFC Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham visited Kinson Academy to take part in a mental health and well-being workshop, as part of Children’s Mental Health Week.
The workshop is part of the Community Sports initiative, sponsored by Community Sports Trust partners, Tru Talent.
Currently in their third year in partnership with the Trust, Tru Talent is a recruitment agency in Bournemouth, who specialise in Automotive, Office & Commercial and Temporary staffing.
This year's theme for Children’s Mental Health Week was 'My Voice Matters' which is about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves.
Mepham got involved in discussions with the pupils regarding how to practise positive mental health, as well as explaining how the topic plays an important part during his own playing career.
He also participated in an enlightening question and answer session alongside Cherries legend and player liaison officer, Steve Fletcher.
Steve Cuss, who heads the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, said: “We deliver mental health and well-being workshops in partnership with Tru Talent every week of the year.
“It makes it a really special workshop and lesson when a Premier League footballer in Chris Mepham comes in and is able to talk about football but also talk about mental health as well, which has been really important.
“I think the pupils had a great day.”
Tru Talent managing director Toni Taylor added: “As we all know, in all ages in life we struggle with different things, different challenges.
“To be able to support children at a young age and to get the skills and the understanding of how to manage and deal with some quite complex challenges is incredible.
“I’m so pleased to be involved in the session and I’m so happy that the children get to have this incredible experience, as well as meeting players which of course they love.
“All round, it’s a fantastic project and really important we shine a light on mental health and well-being, especially in young people. If we can have an impact much earlier on, why would we not want to do that?”
