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This summer, as football inspires millions around the world, we’re delighted to announce the launch of Let’s Talk Football, an exciting new programme made possible thanks to the generous support of the Charles Hayward Foundation.
Launching in September, Let’s Talk Football is a year-round, family-based programme that brings together fathers and sons aged 13 and over who have been affected by violence, crime, trauma or poor mental health. Based at The Change Foundation’s South London headquarters, the programme combines the universal appeal of football with therapeutic conversations to help families reconnect, heal and build stronger futures.
Each week, participants will take part in two hours of football led by our experienced Social Change Coaches, followed by facilitated group discussions with a qualified psychotherapist. Together, these sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where families can explore topics including emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, parenting under pressure and positive masculinity.
For many of the families we work alongside, everyday life has been shaped by exposure to violence, poor mental health, family breakdown or involvement with the justice system. Without early support, these experiences can increase the risk of young people becoming involved in crime or experiencing poor mental health themselves.
Let’s Talk Football is designed to intervene before those challenges escalate, helping young people manage emotions more positively while rebuilding trust and communication within families.
What makes the programme especially powerful is that it is designed by people whose own childhoods were shaped by violence, mental ill-health and imprisonment. They know how transforming programmes like this can be in supporting families facing the very challenges they once experienced, by providing understanding, credibility and hope that only lived experience can bring.
Through football, trusted relationships and therapeutic support, Let’s Talk Football will strengthen families, reduce harm and help create safer communities where young people can thrive.
