“Even small actions can help us feel hopeful and less powerless. And while our individual actions matter, when we come together we are even more powerful.”
Taking Action For Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the importance of good mental health, challenges stigma, and encourages practical steps we can all take to support wellbeing.
This year’s theme, ‘Action: for yourself, for someone else, for all of us’, is a reminder that supporting mental wellbeing is a shared responsibility.
Mental health is fundamental to living a healthy, fulfilling life. No one should be denied the opportunity for good mental health because of their background, identity, or circumstances. While challenges are real, they are not inevitable. Positive action, individually, within communities, and across society, can make a lasting difference.
TackleLondon, UK
TackleLondon, an Atlas local partner, is empowering young Londoners through sport and mentorship, with mental health and wellbeing at the heart of its work.
Operating in schools and rugby clubs within communities facing poverty, neglect, and social disadvantage, TackleLondon uses rugby as a powerful tool for engagement and change.
Through regular school sessions, coaches work closely with teachers to identify young people who may be struggling; those who feel disengaged, isolated, or overlooked. What begins as a simple rugby session often becomes a turning point. Young people start forming bonds with coaches and peers, unlocking confidence and communication skills.
These sessions act as a gateway to wider opportunities. Participants are encouraged to join local rugby clubs, connect with mentors, and become part of supportive communities where they feel they belong. For many, this is the first time they experience consistent structure, encouragement, and a sense of purpose.
Rugby gives him a sense of purpose, and it has changed things massively with his aggression, with his outlook on life, managing his emotions… it changed his life.
TackleLondon is more than rugby. It creates safe, supportive spaces where young people feel seen and heard. A place where young people can express themselves, build resilience, and envision a future beyond their current circumstances. Here, they can express themselves, build resilience, and envision a future beyond their current circumstance.
Strong, trusted relationships with adults play a critical role. Stability, routine, and care can help counteract the emotional and behavioural challenges many young people face.
If he’s had a particularly difficult day, the coaches will pick up on that, and they will speak to him. As a parent, it’s like a lifeline. That support is just everything.
Championing Mental Wellbeing Through Sport and Community
Early life experiences have a profound impact on long-term wellbeing. Research shows that adversity in childhood can increase the risk of future challenges – which is why early support is so important.
It’s that safety net of everyone else, creating friends, bonds, family. Down the rugby club, or with your peers, you get that moment to actually be a child. That’s what it’s all about for these young boys and girls.
At The Atlas Foundation, we firmly believe in the importance of safe and fun environments where children are engaged and inspired. Rugby is a unique sport, and one we harness the power of a global community built on shared values: integrity, teamwork, enjoyment, and commitment. These values go beyond the game. They help shape confident, resilient individuals and foster connections that transcend borders, cultures, and backgrounds.
At the root of our Foundation is to help children live happier lives with opportunities to thrive.
