Sam Stopforth Foundation

07/04/2026

Day 47 of tagging Coventry City FC No days off. No excuses.

Tonight, we step back onto the pitch for the Parker Meggitt Championship — our second year in the competition.

Last year, we raised money for Mind.
This year, we raise it for the NHS.

But this was never about football.
This is about saving lives, building people, and giving others a place to belong.

From an idea... to a movement.
And Coventry...
this is happening on your doorstep.
Don't miss what's being built in your city. 💪⚽️❤️

19/11/2025

Today is International Men’s Day, and I want to shine a spotlight on something that’s often hidden but deeply urgent: men’s mental health.

Too many of us suffer in silence. The numbers don’t lie:
• Around 75% of all su***des are men. 
• In England and Wales, the male su***de rate rose to 17.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2023 — the highest since 1999. 
• Despite the scale of this crisis, men are significantly underrepresented in therapy: only 33–36% of referrals to talking therapy services are men. 
• Self-harm is often hidden, too. In England in 2022/23, nearly 6,000 males aged 10–24 were admitted for self-harm, though that’s still less than the number of females in the same age group — partly because male suffering goes unreported. 

These aren’t just statistics — they’re lives. Fathers, brothers, friends, sons, colleagues. Men who feel trapped by stigma, told to “man up,” or convinced that seeking help is a sign of weakness.

So today, I want to say this loud and clear:

It’s okay not to be okay.
You are allowed to ask for help.
Your life matters.

If you’re struggling, or know someone who is — reach out. Talk to a friend, a family member, or a mental health professional. Let’s change the narrative. Let’s start more conversations. Let’s make it okay for men to be vulnerable.

This International Men’s Day, let’s commit to breaking the silence — together. 💙🩵

08/10/2025

When clouds fill your sky and you can’t see the blue,
When the world feels too heavy, too lonely, too new —
Please know that the darkness is not where you’ll stay,
The sun hides at night, but it always finds day.

Your story’s not finished, your chapter’s not done,
There’s laughter to live for, and battles you’ve won.
So whisper for help — it’s brave, it’s okay,
There are hearts that will hold you and show you the way.

You matter, you’re needed, you’re not on your own,
There’s hope to be found, and you’re never alone. 💛💙🩵🖤

If you’re struggling, please reach out:
📞 Samaritans — 116 123 (free, 24/7)
📱 Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for confidential support
🌐 Mind — mind.org.uk

01/10/2025

Thirteen years ago today, we lost our Sam 🩵someone so deeply loved and so incredibly special. It’s hard to put into words how much Sam is missed, or how different the world feels without his laughter, kindness, and presence.

Grief doesn’t fade with time. it simply changes shape. Today especially, my heart is with Sam’s family and friends, who carry his memory every single day.

Sam’s life reminds us to cherish every moment with those we love, and his loss reminds us how important it is to look out for one another. If you’re struggling, please know you are never alone, and your life matters more than you may ever realise. 🩵💙

We remember Sam with love, and we honor him by keeping his light alive in our hearts.

We love you Sam🩵💙

If anyone would like to share a memory of Sam in the comments, it would be such a beautiful way to celebrate the joy that he brought into our lives. ⚽️🌈

30/09/2025

🎵 UNITY CHOIR STARTS THIS WEEK 🎵

That's right, the Unity in Coventry Choir starts THIS week on Thursday at the Belgrade Theatre between 7-9pm and running EVERY Thursday!

This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, be part of something bigger and sing your heart out! ❤

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just a beginner, everybody is welcome!

We cannot wait to see you there 😍

29/09/2025

Tribute to Callum ❤️

It is with great sadness that we shared the news of our teammate and friend, Callum passing yesterday evening. His commitment, passion, and energy made a lasting impact on everyone at SSU. Callum will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

We know this news will be difficult for many. Please remember you are not alone.

Mental health matters and so do you. Please reach out if you’re struggling—you don’t have to go through it alone. 💙

Our thoughts and condolences remain with Callum’s family and loved ones.
Rest in peace, Callum. ❤️

***dePrevention ***dePreventionMonth

16/09/2025

⚽💙 Are you in Coventry and love football?
Do you sometimes struggle on your own at home?
Stay Strong United is a Coventry-based mental health football team, and they would love to welcome you with open arms! 🙌
Go alone, get active, make friends, and be part of a supportive team where everyone looks out for each other.
You’re not alone. 💙⚽

We did it! 🙌 After 18 months of hard work, our women’s team will now be playing alongside our men’s team on Sundays at 10am! Both teams will have the space they deserve to train, compete, and grow together.

This is another big step forward for SSU, and it’s all possible because of your support and belief in the vision of making SSU the best it can be.

The journey continues—together we grow! 💪⚽

16/09/2025

Daily Mental Health Reminder 🩵
Your mind deserves the same care as your body.
✨ Take a deep breath.
✨ Speak kindly to yourself.
✨ Rest when you need to.
✨ Ask for help if it feels heavy.

Small steps count. You’re doing better than you think. You are loved 💚

16/09/2025

We’re looking for bars or clubs with pool tables that would be happy to help us host a charity pool competition in support of The Sam Stopforth Foundation 🏆🎱

The foundation is a non-profit mental health charity, raising awareness and funds to support people through their struggles. We’d love to partner with a venue that can accommodate the event without too much cost, while also benefiting from extra footfall and the chance to support a meaningful cause 💚🩵

If you or someone you know runs a venue that might be interested, please get in touch – we’d love to chat! 🩵

11/09/2025

05/09/2025

I want to take a moment to talk about something that often stays hidden in silence—su***de and mental health. Su***de doesn’t just take lives; it leaves behind waves of pain that affect families, friends, and communities. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 in every 100 deaths worldwide is a result of su***de. In the United Kingdom alone, su***de is a leading cause of death, claiming the lives of over 49,000 people in 2022—that’s about one person every 11 minutes.

But beyond the numbers, the impact is deeply human. Every statistic represents someone’s child, sibling, parent, or friend. And for every person lost, there are countless others struggling with their own mental health battles. Mental health affects everyone—no matter your age, background, or circumstances. One in five adults in the UK experiences a mental illness each year, yet stigma still keeps many from reaching out for the support they deserve.

It’s important to remember: mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness. They are part of being human. Reaching out for help, whether through a trusted friend, a professional, or a crisis line, can save lives.