Mental Health Fitness

Head In The Game

Kent Charity Of The Year Award Winners

Head In The Game is a charity that uses the power of sport to support and improve mental health and mental fitness across communities in Kent, London and the South East.

Co-founded by Matt Witts, the organisation delivers inclusive sports-based sessions and wellbeing initiatives designed to engage people from all backgrounds, particularly those who may be struggling to access traditional forms of mental health support.

At a time when the NHS is stretched and often under used, and when many people face barriers to getting the help they need, Head In The Game offers an innovative and accessible approach. Our programmes provide a proactive and community focused alternative to formal services. By using physical activity as a catalyst for conversation, connection and confidence, our sessions help individuals strengthen their mental fitness, build resilience, and develop lifelong coping skills.

We work closely with local partners, sports clubs, and employers to ensure our programmes are sustainable and people led. Each session provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can open up, share experiences and develop positive habits that promote lasting wellbeing.

Head In The Game was proud to be named Kent Charity Start Up of the Year, recognising our fresh and forward-thinking approach to improving mental health through sport and community connection.

What We Do

Community Sessions

Our community sport and mental health sessions are at the heart of what we do. These sessions use sport as a tool to bring people together, reduce isolation and encourage open conversations about mental health. Each session focuses on building confidence, resilience and connection while helping participants strengthen their mental fitness through enjoyable physical activity. The sessions are inclusive and designed for people from all walks of life, offering a safe and supportive space to talk, move and improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

Employer Programmes – No Substitute for Support

Our workplace wellbeing model, No Substitute for Support, helps employers build mentally healthy and supportive teams. We deliver engaging workshops and activity based sessions that combine sport, communication and teamwork to improve wellbeing, morale and productivity. The programme helps organisations create an open culture where staff feel confident discussing mental health and can develop practical strategies to manage stress and maintain balance in their professional and personal lives.

Mental Health Workshops

Our mental health and mental fitness workshops are designed to educate and empower individuals with knowledge, tools and strategies for everyday wellbeing. These interactive sessions explore topics such as stress management, resilience, confidence building and communication. The workshops are adaptable for different audiences, including community groups, sports clubs, schools and workplaces, ensuring every participant leaves with greater awareness and practical ways to look after their mental health.

6 and 12 Week Programmes

Head In The Game delivers structured six and twelve week programmes that combine regular physical activity with mental health education and discussion. Each programme follows a progressive structure that encourages participants to reflect, learn and grow over time. By mixing sport with guided conversation and self development exercises, the sessions help participants improve fitness, confidence and mental strength while building meaningful social connections.

Men and Women’s Programmes

We deliver tailored sessions for both men and women to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access support in an environment that feels comfortable and inclusive. Our men’s sessions often focus on breaking down stigma and encouraging open discussion in a relaxed sporting setting, while our women’s sessions create a positive and empowering space for building confidence, wellbeing and connection through movement and teamwork.

Youth Programmes

Our youth programmes are designed for young people aged 14 to 18 and use sport as a gateway to improving mental health awareness and emotional resilience. Delivered in schools, community settings and sports clubs, the sessions are active, engaging and discussion based rather than classroom focused. Young people learn about the importance of mental fitness, communication and self-care while developing the confidence to support both themselves and others.

To donate £5, text HITG to 70970