ITFC’s Jack Taylor helps launch Suffolk Mind’s Mental Health Kitbag for children

Ipswich Town Football Club (ITFC) star Jack Taylor has helped Suffolk Mind launch The Mental Health Kitbag for young people to mark Children’s Mental Health Week.

The midfielder delivered an assembly and Q&A with pupils at Ranelagh Primary School in Ipswich on Wednesday 7 February in collaboration with Suffolk Mind.

Following the assembly, a group of pupils were introduced to The Mental Health Kitbag, our programme of workshops, courses and resources aimed to support young people’s wellbeing.

Jack said: “Looking after your mental health is incredibly important. You never know if someone’s down or struggling because it’s internal rather than a physical thing that’s there for people to see.

“As footballers we’ve all had to come through things like injuries or not playing, so it’s always important to speak to people and express how you’re feeling.

“The players all see their work with the Foundation as central to what we do as a Club so it was a privilege to be able to speak with the children alongside Suffolk Mind.”

There is a Kitbag for all age groups which features training sessions including EARLY Minds, Life Hacks for Young Minds, training for educators and activity providers, and more.

Our Children, Family and Young People’s (CFYP) Lead Louise Harris said: “Mental health affects us at all stages of life, and learning how to deal with it early is essential.

“With our Kitbag, children can access and learn the tools to understand and support their mental health in an age-appropriate way.

“By learning about mental health at a young age, we can teach people valuable skills to look after themselves and others as they enter their teenage and adult years.”

Find out more about The Mental Health Kitbag