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Each May, many communities come together to spotlight an area that touches every life – mental health. In the U.S., Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) provides a platform to elevate conversations around stigma, access and support – this year with the theme, ‘Turn Awareness into Action.’ In the U.K., Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), May 13–19, invites collective reflection on the state of mental wellbeing, this year focusing on ‘Community.’
In recognition of a shared commitment to mental health, we’re highlighting how some of our current and past program grantees are helping to shift mindsets, expand services and foster healing. They are not only advancing critical care, they are building pathways to dignity, resilience and hope.
Chill Foundation – U.S.
The Chill Foundation uses boardsports like snowboarding and skateboarding to uplift and support youth and improve mental wellbeing. Their programs offer participants emotional outlets that strengthen their sense of self-worth and help build resilience. The organization teams up with many partners, including mental health agencies, to support young people who may be suffering from anxiety, depression or trauma. Staff, mentors and instructors cultivate an environment where failure isn’t feared but celebrated as part of the process.
“Boardsports have a powerful impact on youth mental health, as seen in the case of Eric, a young boy who overcame severe trauma related to water. He began his journey with Chill through skateboarding, where he opened up and eventually became a peer leader. He later joined our wakeboard program, slowly overcoming his fears. Now, he’s a confident wakeboarder, a Chill skate instructor and is pursuing a career he loves. We are incredibly proud of his progress and that of all our Chillers.”
Chill is a Head In The Game grantee – a Beyond Sport program which promotes youth mental wellbeing in the U.S.
North Yorkshire Sport – UK
North Yorkshire Sport is increasing sports participation, tackling inequality and improving health outcomes for people of all ages and backgrounds. The organization has a mission is to ensure that everyone can experience the benefits of being active and part of a supportive sporting community. Through their Stepping Up program, young people build confidence, life skills and support networks. Athlete mentors guide participants to manage emotions and make positive choices, enhancing their mental wellbeing.
“If I need someone to talk to, I’ll talk to James [Stepping Up Mentor]. I feel like he doesn’t judge me when I’m talking to him. Through Stepping Up, we’ve done kayaking and surfing, which took me out of my comfort zone. I’m more open to talking to people now,” shared a young participant.
North Yorkshire Sport is a Beyond Sport X Under Armour grantee – a retail donation program across the UK and Europe to transform young lives through sport.
Foundation 92 – UK
Foundation 92 uses sport to reduce inequality and champion disadvantaged and vulnerable groups through tailored, accessible support. Their Headstart program helps young people build resilience and emotional coping strategies through movement and mental health education, as well as by offering safe spaces to talk, connect and grow.
“I worked with a Year 7 student who often fought, disrupted class and struggled with emotional regulation. Through one-on-one and small group sessions, he learned coping strategies, grew more confident and began applying these tools daily. His schoolwork improved and he now recognizes unhelpful emotions and behaviors – both in himself and when triggered by others – and chooses more positive responses.”
Foundation 92 is a grantee participant of the NFL Foundation UK Community Partnerships program – an initiative which champions equality and opportunity for underserved youth in the UK through American flag football.
Inter Tribal Sports – U.S.
Inter Tribal Sports empowers tribal youth through culturally grounded sports programs, fostering self-esteem and emotional resilience. Their year-round offerings include co-ed leagues in basketball, softball, soccer, golf and cheerleading alongside cultural gatherings, leadership development and wellness initiatives. Their programs integrate traditional games, such as peon, to reconnect youth with their heritage and build community bonds. These ancestral games carry spiritual teachings and values that support resilience and healing in the face of intergenerational trauma.
“The organization’s emphasis on positive youth development suggests that participants often experience benefits such as increased confidence, improved social connections and enhanced cultural identity- all of which are protective factors for mental health.”
ITS is a grantee of the Return to Play Fund – a program founded by Beyond Sport and ESPN to promote equitable access to play for Black and Brown youth.
Bristol Bears – UK
Bristol Bears Community Foundation is the award-winning charitable arm of the Bristol Bears Rugby Club, delivering transformative programs across the Southwest focused on education, health, inclusion and participation. Its Bear in Mind program supports 14–16-year-old girls’ self-confidence and resilience. The program combines physical activity and discussions on body image, stress and mental health to help girls thrive.
“I’ve really enjoyed being part of the program. It’s helped me become more confident and develop my leadership skills. I enjoyed having the opportunity to deliver icebreaker games and small-sided games. I was nervous doing these but it’s definitely giving me a boost and made me think I can be a leader and promote sport to others. It was also good to understand that movement isn’t accessible to everyone so looking into inclusion and disability was definitely useful going forward as not everyone has the same experience as me,” shared a 13-year-old participant.
Bear in Mind was supported by the Rexona Breaking Limits Program created in partnership with Beyond Sport to inspire youth confidence through movement.
Bloomsbury Football Foundation – UK
Bloomsbury provides young people across London – regardless of background or income – with free or affordable access to high-quality coaching, community and support. With one in three asylum seekers and refugees experiencing high rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD, Bloomsbury’s Refugee and Asylum Seeker Program creates safe spaces where young people can build stability, routine and connection. Through strong safeguarding, social-emotional learning and progression pathways, they offer more than just sport – they offer hope, healing and opportunity.
“From the day I arrived in London, I had no friends and nowhere to spend my free time until someone at my hotel told me about Bloomsbury’s football sessions. From that first day, I made new friends and found something special to do. Football at Bloomsbury has become my favorite thing. The coaches are caring and always there to support us. All I want to say is: Thank you, Bloomsbury, for everything,” said a 15-year-old Bloomsbury Football player from Iran.
Bloomsbury is a past grantee of our Sport Together Fund which supports sports-based programs that aid communities facing humanitarian emergencies.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) – U.S.
BGCTNV prioritizes mental health through their Member Emotional & Social Health (MESH) initiative, which develops social-emotional skills, supports youth mental health needs and addresses the impacts of trauma. With a team of licensed social workers and social work interns, MESH delivers a comprehensive blend of individual counseling, mentoring, group interventions and trauma-informed care. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to signs of toxic stress, ensuring a safe and supportive environment that fosters perseverance and emotional wellbeing for all club members.
“A MESH social worker began individual sessions with a member, K, who was referred for struggling with self-soothing when overstimulated. Following a significant personal loss, K faced challenges in processing his emotions and often became disruptive. They created a plan using the Chill Out Space, noise-cancelling headphones and coloring. K has made great progress and is now thriving at the Club.”
BGCTNV is a Collective365 Innovator as part of the Olympism365 Innovation Hub – a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee, Beyond Sport and Women Win to advance new and impactful approaches to sport for sustainable development.
As we honor MHAM and MHAW, we reaffirm our belief that mental health is health, and that transformative change happens when communities are resourced, heard and empowered.
Follow us on our socials throughout May to learn more about these amazing organizations!
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