First up, we are celebrating the Chelsea Champions programme. We have partnered up with Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow (HFEH) Mind and the Chelsea Academy to talk to partner schools during Children’s Mental Health Week.

The theme for this year is ‘growing together’, with the aim to encourage both children and adults to consider how they have grown, and how they can help others to as well.

The Chelsea Champions’ partner schools joined a virtual workshop delivered by the HFEH Mind Youth Services team, highlighting the importance of mental health in football and encouraging players to be confident and comfortable to talk about their mental health.

The students were also treated to a virtual appearance from Academy players Harvey Vale, Charlie Webster and Derrick Abu. The trio discussed their footballing journeys to date and the challenges they had faced along the way, as well as answering questions from students on the call.

Sean Walsh, head of post-16 education at the Chelsea Academy, said: ‘The scholars were very happy to support the Chelsea FC and HFEH Mind Workshop promoting Children’s Mental Health Week. Hopefully the session provided the pupils with an insight into the issues and setbacks the players have faced in an elite sporting environment, as well as strategies they have used to enhance their resilience.

‘The Academy places equal emphasis on the development of the person as well as the footballer and educating all players in regards to mental health and wellbeing.’

Natalie Hardie, wellbeing team service manager and inclusion lead, said: ‘The HFEH Mind Youth Services resilience workshop in partnership with the club provided practical strategies to identify and manage overwhelming emotions, which can impair performance in football.

‘Resilience is a psychological aspect which is important in football; it helps to maintain a consistently high level of performance whilst remaining focused in undesirable situations. HFEH Mind Youth services are delighted to be delivering this workshop with Chelsea FC for Children's Mental Health Week.’

Throughout Children’s Mental Health Week, the Foundation will be sharing participant experiences with us, top tips for mental health and much more. Follow the Chelsea Foundation account on Twitter to find out more!