About Us
WHAT WE DO
We run mental-wellbeing sports sessions to reduce and prevent suicide.
Meet The Team
Head In The Game’s team is made up of a blend of mental health & wellbeing experts, trustees from the finance, fundraising, tech and charity sector, sports coaches, talking therapy leads and community based ambassadors, all with unique personal lived experiences.
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Jonathan LloydHITG Trustee Chair
MoreJonathan Lloyd
I am Lancashire brought up but happily exiled in London where I have deeply proud to be involved in Head In The Game. I have always been passionate about social justice and this is part of my professional life and home life where I am proud to be an adoptive parent. With over a decade of experience working in front-line homeless services, my journey has been shaped by a commitment to seeing the strengths in people and helping them be the best they can be.
In my most recent role, I served as the Corporate Director of Strategy and Change at a large London council. During this time, I led impactful initiatives, including Citizen Assembly to reduce Hate incidents and service transformation to address inequality within communities.
Beyond my professional endeavours, I find joy in family life, sports of all kinds, getting close to nature.
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Kimberley FoulkesHITG Trustee
MoreKimberley Foulkes
I am an Audit and Assurance Manager at Kreston Reeves LLP and began training with the same firm in August 2008.
I qualified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in 2014 and have been a Fellow of the Association since 2019.
For my day job I focus on managing Charity and Not for Profit teams, audits and advising my clients. I have specialisms in the educational, care and mental health sector audit and advisory work.
I undertake extensive training and CPD for my role and I also deliver specialist not for profit finance training to my clients and colleagues.
I am also part of the wellbeing team and currently Lead the Reduced Inequalities Sustainable Development Goal for Kreston Reeves LLP. I believe that reducing inequalities helps facilitate and empower all people inclusively to achieve their goals and enable them to flourish and thrive. This includes not only my colleagues and clients, but people in my local and further communities. I am also a Trustee of a Multi Academy Trust in Canterbury.
I have a passion and commitment to the not-for-profit sector and I find all of my roles extremely rewarding . I thoroughly enjoy contributing to the vision and future of the HITG charity!
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Jo DawesHITG Trustee
MoreJo Dawes
Jo has spent the last 20 years fundraising at multiple charities including Scope, Crisis, Action Medical Research, and Porchlight.
As a lifelong Exeter City supporter (!) and mother of two football-loving sons, Jo is keen to see more men engaging in sport and talking openly about their mental health.
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Wendy HawkHITG Trustee
MoreWendy Hawk
Wendy is Associate Director of Fundraising & Communications at Sense International, a global disability charity operating in 8 countries across the world. She brings with her over 20 years experience of working in the charity sector and marketing agency world. Purpose led inclusion, equality and wellbeing are core themes that run across her career.
With a background in strategic fundraising she has a successful track record of building multi-year corporate, major donor, trusts and statutory partnerships including with Nike, Google, People’s Postcode Lottery, Comic Relief, Sport England and FCDO/DCMS. All with a common goal of diversifying income. She has also headed up communications teams building digital campaigns that can galvanise a community of long-term supporters.
Outside of work she has a love for the outdoors – an avid open water swimmer and runner. You will often see her hot on the heels of either her two teenage sons or golden retriever!
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Hannah BarnettHITG Trustee
MoreHannah Barnett
I am Head of the Social, Education, and Health Hub at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, where I lead a team who are delivering impactful programmes across education, employment, inclusion, and health. As the Trust’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion lead, I am committed to providing equitable opportunities and creating inclusive spaces where individuals and communities can truly thrive.
I am passionate about the potential of community-driven solutions and meaningful programmes to address social challenges and connect people. I firmly believe in the transformative power of sport—especially football—to change lives and strengthen communities.
Having collaborated with Head in the Game for several years, I am inspired by the charity’s impactful work supporting mental health through sport and meaningful engagement. With extensive expertise in programme design, strategic growth, and partnership development, I look forward to supporting the charity’s ongoing evolution—helping to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and amplify its message.
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Jason FlemyngHITG Patron
MoreJason Flemyng
Jason’s commitment to giving back to the community is truly commendable.
As well as being a patron of Head In The Game, he is involved with various other charities and good causes.
He trains listeners in London prisons while his work with ‘The Forward Trust’ showcases his passion for improving the lives of those who need it most.
His volunteer work and his support for the Forward Trust’s rehabilitation and reintegration programs demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.
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Matt JarvisHITG Supporter
MoreMatt Jarvis
Former England, West Ham, Wolves, Norwich and Gillingham player Matt Jarvis is an official supporter of Head In The Game.
Matt’s exceptional career and passion for football make him a powerful advocate for our mission to prevent suicide and promote mental well-being. His support strengthens our efforts to break down mental health stigma and expand our reach, helping more people access the resources and support they need through our sport-based programs.
With Matt on board, we’re more committed than ever to making a positive impact on mental health.
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Steven ReidHITG Supporter
MoreSteven Reid
Steven Reid is a notable advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the football community. A former professional footballer who played for clubs like Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion, Steve has openly shared his struggles with mental health, especially during his time as a player. In 2022, he took the courageous step to publicly discuss his battles with anxiety and depression, which led him to transition from a traditional coaching role to become a dedicated mental health and well-being coach.
Reid’s advocacy is significant because he’s one of the few professional footballers to be so open about his mental health, helping to challenge stigma in the industry. His role as a mental health coach focuses on supporting players and staff to prioritise mental wellness, understand the pressures of the sport, and seek help when needed. His openness adds a relatable and influential voice to the mental health conversation, particularly in football, where issues like stigma and pressure to “perform” can prevent individuals from seeking help.
At Head In The Game, we share a similar mission to Steve’s work. By using sport as a foundation for mental fitness, we aim to encourage individuals to open up and support each other, making mental health a priority in everyday life.
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Reghan TumiltyHITG Ambassador
MoreReghan Tumilty
Reghan is professional footballer who currently plays for St Johnstone.
His commitment to promoting positive mental health practices both on and off the pitch is truly commendable. His passion for raising awareness about mental health issues aligns seamlessly with our charity’s mission.
Reghan’s desire to create long-term positive change resonates with supporters and will inspire others to join our cause. Together, we champion mental health awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding it.
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Mark PinkneyHITG CEO & Founder
MoreMark Pinkney
Mark is an experienced Operations Manager, Director and is the CEO of Head In The Game.
With a rich background spanning more than 20 years in mental health services and charities, Mark is dedicated to instigating lasting positive transformations in the lives of vulnerable individuals. His passion lies in fostering open conversations and mitigating suicide risks through the management of diverse projects and programs.
Mark has worked in the welfare-to-work and mental health support industry, gaining experience of the delivery and management of multiple projects and programs for large organisations.
Mark is a Mental Health Advocate, Wellbeing & Mental Health Lead, Suicide Prevention Expert and Facilitator Of Change.
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Matt WittsHITG COO, Founder, Wellbeing & Inclusion Lead
MoreMatt Witts
Bringing over 20 years of mental health, sport and senior management experience is our Wellbeing & Inclusion Lead and HITG Co-Founder, Matt Witts.
Matt is a multi award winning coach and is widely recognised as one of the regions most knowledgeable and respected figures in supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.
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David BrownHITG Co-Founder
MoreDavid Brown
Being a Co-Founder of Head In The Game is a tremendous honour and something that’s very important to me.
We strive to help change the lives of the individuals that we support through our weekly sports sessions and programmes.
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Jo SkeltonHITG Corporate Partnerships
MoreJo Skelton
Sometimes life can be overwhelming, and it can become particularly challenging for people when they feel that they can’t share their thoughts or problems with friends and family. I’ve seen first-hand how this can be an issue for men particularly, who tend to bottle up their feelings or just don’t feel they have the opportunities available to them to talk about their emotions or concerns with others. Sadly, like too many people in the UK, I have also witnessed the devastation to families and friendship groups when someone decides they just can’t see a way forward.
I believe passionately that people who are struggling with overwhelming feelings can feel better if they are able to share their thoughts and concerns with others in a safe space and without fear of judgement. Sometimes it’s so much easier to talk to strangers about ‘stuff’. When things get tough for me, I get out and walk; and when walking with a like-minded group of people who are kind, supportive and non-judgemental, it never fails to help put life’s challenges into perspective. Sport is such a great catalyst for communication, comradery, and friendship. Participating in sport and physical activity is well-documented in being absolutely transformative for mental health.
Over the last four years, I’ve watched from the sidelines as Mark and Matt take the principle of the transformative power of sport and apply it to genuinely helping many people, men in particular, to improve their mental wellbeing and fitness. First, through football and now through an increasing number of sports-based programmes for all and I am delighted to now be part of the team so that I can play my part in enabling more people to benefit from participating in Head In The Games’ fantastic initiatives.
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Matthew BrookerHITG Ambassador
MoreMatthew Brooker
As a previous recipient of the amazing support HITG I have had first hand experience of how successful this charity is in helping so many men in a time of need. In a time when I needed “something” to pull me out of the rut I was in, luckily I found HITG.
From the moment I arrived to my time as a ‘seasoned veteran’, I have been greeted with kindness and compassion. No thought too trivial or issue too small the gents at HITG were always on hand to support, talk and coach me through what I was dealing with. This is the reason I wanted to give back to a community which has called out for guidance and help. I feel it a calling to get back out there and be that listening ear to those who need it and that shoulder of support when others need lifting.
One friend said it best when that said, “HITG really has saved my life.” This is why I want to give back to those who have helped me and those who now need it more than ever.
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Lisa AdamsHITG Women’s Volunteer Coach (Thanet)
MoreLisa Adams
Registered Mental Health Nurse currently lecturing at university on the mental health nursing course as well as other nursing based courses within the university.
I am passionate about improving mental health services within the UK as practising as a nurse throughout covid has shown there is a shortage of support for those in need at all levels. Having experienced my own mental health difficulties, I consider that to be a benefit not a detriment to my ability and capacity to support and guide others through their own experiences.
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Chris PayneMental Fitness Sports Coach (P/T)
MoreChris Payne
I was nervous about attending HITG but I have to say it has been one of the best things for my own wellbeing I have ever done. It’s improved my understanding of my own mind and helped me speak about things I had previously bottled up. The sessions are great fun and pressure free (I could say as little or as much as I wanted). I’ve met some great people as well; I really look forward to every session.
As a volunteer coach, I’m proud to be involved in helping change the lives of others.
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Matt CharletteHITG Volunteer Coach
MoreMatt Charlette
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Andrew LeckieHITG Volunteer Coach (London)
MoreAndrew Leckie
As a participant the HITG sessions have left me feeling refreshed, ironic when your red in the face, panting, and dripping with sweat. But that’s what they do, or at least the power of playing a bit of footy can do for you. A common factor we have shared as a group is the sense of ‘focus’, a clear head or forgetting outside stressors for an hour. When we step on the pitch, we’re like kids in a candy shop, we have this desire to go straight to the ball and fire a shot on goal, or maybe just a casual pass and chat in a circle. It’s been extra special to experience this programme under the dome of the Lions Centre at Millwall FC. It’s become a routine for me, and it really does kick start my week on a top note.
As a volunteer, I take great pride in helping those who need a little bit of support and having experienced the power of HITG myself, I feel I can share my positive experiences with others.
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Bruce DartnellHITG Volunteer Coach
MoreBruce Dartnell
I had always battled with feeling out of place and anxious in social settings, constantly trying to be liked. A feeling of loneliness held me back at times.
That changed when a friend invited me to a Head in the Game football event, a mental health charity. The moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. I opened up, played football, and discovered a community where sharing your struggles is met with support from other men.
Inspired by that experience, I now lead sessions at Tonbridge, bringing guys come together to play, share, and support one another.
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Dan MasonHITG Volunteer Coach
MoreDan Mason
It’s fair to say I’ve had my own mental health issues over the years, I probably didn’t realise how bad my own mental health had been until I started volunteering with HITG and seeing that there were guys who were in a similar situation to me.I make no secret that I really struggled during and post lockdown and when asked was happy to come along and help coach the sessions, it felt like I was giving something back and helping guys who were struggling. But It became apparent quite quickly after joining HITG that it massively helped my own mental health, I needed the group, the sessions and the friendships within these sessions for my own mental health too. I’d be lost without it now. -
Nick WithycombeHITG Media Volunteer
MoreNick Withycombe
Nick has worked in the health and wellbeing space for over 6 years, and has authored books on mental health.
He’s currently studying a Master’s degree in Psychology.
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Colin JonesHITG Legacy Coach (Maidstone)
MoreColin Jones
When I signed up for Head In The Game at the start of the Maidstone sessions in 2021 I was at a low point in my life and had recognised that I needed support and social interaction.
I hadn’t played football for many years and was very nervous about attending the first session, but it changed my life. I had been involved with Mental Health services in a small way through a previous job role but up until that point I had never really thought about, or taken care of, my own mental wellbeing.
The sessions helped me hugely and when I was asked if I would help with the running of the MindStones Head In The Game legacy project sessions I jumped at the chance as it was an opportunity to give something back and to provide the support, which had been so important for me, to others.
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Michael ModosHITG Volunteer Coach
MoreMichael Modos
The reason I volunteer and run sessions is to help give back to the community that needs it the most.
When I needed the mental support the most, the charity helped me so I’m trying to give back to all the other men and women who just need that helping hand.
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Peter SeehusenHITG Wellbeing Consultant
MorePeter Seehusen
With over 10 years of experience in presenting, facilitating, and building relationships across a range of sectors, Peter has helped achieve positive solutions for workplaces, educational organisations, and the broader community. Having worked extensively in both the education and wellbeing space in Australia, Asia and Europe, Peter has also worked in the area of primary prevention.
Most recently before working as a consultant, Peter worked in Australia designing and facilitating engaging workshops for corporate and educational organisations aimed at providing evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience. Peter has a genuine interest in connecting with others and are skilled at creating trust and shared understanding with diverse individuals, utilising this to create, maintain and build relationships with key stakeholders across a vast array of industries. Further to this, I have extensive experience in managing and leading people and projects, using my positive disposition, high level planning and innovative thinking to provide practical, human-centric solutions.
With a postgraduate Masters degree from the University of Melbourne specialising in wellbeing and leadership, including research into the link between leaders, culture and wellbeing, Peter is passionate about improving the lives of others through behaviour change, positive psychology and leadership development.
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Rebecca PinkneyHITG Finance Administrator
MoreRebecca Pinkney
Having worked for HITG for the past 3 years as the finance administrator, I am also a proud volunteer coach for women’s netball sessions.
The sessions are incredibly rewarding and I love knowing that I help to improve the mental fitness of the people that I support.
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Marcus TaylorHITG Volunteer Coach
MoreMarcus Taylor
I started the 12 week programme playing in Tunbridge Wells many months ago!
I knew straight away it was a place for me to be myself. I live a very busy life being a father of 3 and married. Life can be stressful and tough. Having Head In The Game was such a relief to have every Wednesday. Letting all the frustrations and stress out in a game of football was perfect. I was approached by Dave Brown to become a volunteer and I grabbed it with both hands! If I could help one person that would bring me a lot of joy! I’ve met some great lads and some real good friends to come from it! Suffering from a really bad addiction 5 years ago I’m proud to say I’m clean and sober if I can help anyone battling these demands I will do so!
I love my football and used to play quite high up, so I’m honoured to be giving something back.
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Louisa PinkneyHITG Volunteer Coach
MoreLouisa Pinkney
Hi, I’m Louisa, and I’m really proud to be a volunteer coach with Head In The Game.
I first got involved because I believe sport has the power to bring people together and open up conversations that can sometimes feel difficult. Being able to support others on their journey, while helping to break down the stigma around mental health, is something that means a lot to me.
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Sally PontonHITG Volunteer Coach
MoreSally Ponton
I love volunteering for HITG netball as I find the sessions incredibly rewarding, supporting others both physically and mentally.
I’m proud to be part of something that uplifts individuals and builds confidence, myself included.
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Jack MillerHITG Co-Lead “Talk It Off” Volunteer
MoreJack Miller
Hi, I’m Jack Miller, and I co-lead HITG’s Talk It Off Herne Bay – a walking group where a good chat and a steady stroll can do wonders for your mood. I’m naturally bubbly and outgoing, and I’m a big advocate for wellbeing.
For me, there’s nothing better than bringing people together to walk, talk, and leave feeling lighter than when they arrived.
I actually started out as a participant, just turning up for a walk and a natter. After every session, I’d leave feeling completely refreshed – like someone had hit the reset button on my week. There’s something special about taking an hour to switch off, forget life’s stresses, and just enjoy the fresh air with some good company.
Over time, those walks became the highlight of my week, and when the chance came to step up and co-lead the group, I couldn’t say no. Now, I get to help others experience the same boost – whether that’s meeting friendly faces, discovering new routes, or simply having the space to clear their head.
At Talk It Off Herne Bay, we always welcome new guys to come and join us. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a listening ear, or just an excuse to get outside, you’ll fit right in. Walking might seem simple, but with the right people and a bit of banter, it can make a world of difference – one step (and one story) at a time.
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Blake BerginHITG Co-Lead “Talk It Off” Volunteer
MoreBlake Bergin
Once upon a time, I walked into Talk It Off as just a participant—nervous, unsure, and definitely not thinking I’d ever be helping to run the walks! Fast-forward a bit (and more than a few laughs, awkward silences, and cups of tea later), and now I’m proud to co-lead our Herne Bay group.
I’ve always loved helping people, and I know firsthand how much it matters to have someone in your corner. At some point in life, most of us hit rock bottom. When you’re there, it can feel like you’re completely on your own—but the truth is, you’re not. It makes a massive difference to be around people who get it, whether they’re right there in the thick of it with you or they’ve made it out the other side and are living proof that things really can get better.
When new guys walk through our doors, I want them to feel the exact same welcome I did on my first night. We know it takes a lot of courage to take that first step, so there’s no pressure, no judgement—just a group of people ready to listen, have a laugh, and maybe share a biscuit or two. Sometimes that first meeting is mostly nerves and awkward laughs (I’ve been there), but before long, the banter starts flowing. And banter, as simple as it sounds, has a way of breaking down walls and bringing people together.
For me, being part of the bigger picture means creating a safe space where people can be real, vulnerable, and even downright silly at times. I may have started this journey with an “erm…” and a nervous grin, but now I get to help others take those same first steps. And honestly, there’s no better feeling than seeing someone standing a little taller, knowing they’re no longer facing their struggles alone.
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Doug SwannMental Fitness Sports Coach (P/T)
MoreDoug Swann
I’m passionate about improving mental fitness and using sport as a powerful tool to bring people together, build confidence, and change lives. I’ve seen first-hand how being active can positively impact someone’s mental wellbeing, and I’m committed to helping others experience those same benefits.
Working with people is what I do best. Whether it’s on the pitch, in a group session, or one-to-one, I love creating an environment where everyone feels supported, included, and motivated to reach their full potential. Being part of Head In The Game allows me to combine my passion for sport with my drive to make a real difference in people’s lives.
The Community Hour
Head In The Game facilitates weekly mental fitness sports drop in sessions at multiple venues across the Kent with the overarching aim of reducing suicide.
Our service is aimed at encouraging people to open up and talk using sport as a way of starting those sometimes difficult conversations.
6, 12 & 52 week programmes
Our programmes are a journey through various drills, games and sports activities with a set number of participants, centered around a variety of supportive mental health coaching and challenges to improve participants mental and physical wellbeing.
