Harry Kane and Shout launch ‘Move for Mental Health’ campaign

ENGLAND captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and mental health support service Shout are challenging you to Move for Mental Health.

Find a type of exercise that you enjoy and stick with it over the course of Mental Health Awareness Week (13 – 19 May), the theme for which is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’.

Harry’s foundation, The Harry Kane Foundation, is supporting Shout’s ‘Move for Mental Health’ campaign. They are calling on people across the UK to make a commitment to push themselves out of their comfort zone and exercise to improve their mental health, all while fundraising for Shout. The confidential 24/7 text messaging service supports around 2,000 conversations with children, young people and adults who are struggling to cope, every single day.

Shout is providing ideas, support and inspiration from Harry and a range of celebrities and influencers including The Traitors’ Mollie Pearce, advocate for those with limb difference; Will Young, Shout patron, musician and actor; Matt Tebbutt, chef and television presenter; Hamzah-Adam Desai, RHS award-winning garden designer; Chloe Birch, Badminton England Player, mental health campaigner and Shout Volunteer Ben West, as well as Shout funders and beneficiaries.

By joining Move for Mental Health and taking on a movement challenge this Mental Health Awareness Week, you’ll be helping to raise vital funds for Shout. Join the challenge on JustGiving and help them hit the £15,000 target!

Harry Kane said: 

“I find that moving each day helps with my mental health. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to move – choose to move in whatever way makes you feel good, whether it’s walking, dancing, running, playing sports or something more extreme. Let’s get moving to improve our mental health this May, all while supporting Shout. Good luck, I’ll be cheering you on!”

Will Young said: 

“Using stretchy bands is really good for my mental health. You can do a full body workout with them which really helps my mind. I’d really recommend it – it’s very easy, cheap and it’s your mobile gym.”

Mollie Pearce said:

“Running helps me feel strong and in control. I’ve never felt worse after running – only better!”

Matt Tebbut said:

“I love cycling, walking and I’ve recently got into using weights at the gym. Exercise gets me outside and keeps me busy. I’m always happiest when I’m physically active.”

Victoria Hornby OBE, CEO of Mental Health Innovations, the charity behind Shout said:

“Shout takes around 2,000 conversations every single day with children, young people and adults who need ‘in the moment’ support. Our data shows that many of our texters find physical exercise to be a great help in making them feel more confident and able to cope with mental health challenges. Do join us and Move for Mental Health this May to improve your sense of well-being!”

Physical exercise is vital not just for physical health, but also for our mental health and well-being. The benefits are far-reaching, boosting mood and reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress; improving memory and problem-solving skills; improving sleep; improving concentration; leading to higher self-esteem and helping you feel stronger, better about yourself and helping you feel connected to others and to places.

To feel the benefits, join Harry’s Shout challenge at giveusashout.org/move or donate to the fundraising team on JustGiving here.