27 October 2025
Innovative facial analysis app recognises pain in care home residents
Danecroft is a 34-bed care home in Bedford, predominantly caring for people living with dementia but also other conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS. Since…
Home >> news >> Tackling depression and obesity with MK Dons
The innovative partnership between MK Dons Sport and Education Trust (SET), and NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board and Milton Keynes Council brings together coaches, mentors and mental health professionals to help young people learn new skills, develop confidence and transform their lives, so they can live healthier lives.
The programme offers young people a safe place to talk about their thoughts, feelings and mental health self-management techniques, while playing and developing their football skills.
Kelly Day, Inclusion Manager, MK Dons Sport Education Trust, said:
“We are very proud to support this scheme. Many young people experience everyday battles that we often can’t see. Through the power of football, we’re helping young people from all backgrounds in Milton Keynes to break down barriers, get active and take steps to helping to manage their own mental health. It’s a scheme that’s never been more important and we’re proud to be breaking down barriers with the young people who enlist on our course.”
J’s experience
“J” is a refugee from Afghanistan and lives in Milton Keynes. He has struggled with his mental health for some time and decided to attend the programme after MK Dons SET contacted his community following a request for mental health and wellbeing support in the refugee community by local GPs.
J attended the first session, bringing along a few friends from his community. They did not have the correct footwear so were given football boots to ensure they were able to take part. He provided a vital role throughout the sessions, translating the conversation for his friends so they were able to understand the instructions from the coaches and to enjoy the full experience of a training session including coaching drills and a match.
The sessions enabled J to play football regularly, significantly improving his fitness so that he can complete a full session without being exhausted. He has also seen an improvement in his confidence to go out more, grow his friendship groups and make better choices with his diet.
J said:
“Since being in England, I have found it hard to be happy. MK Dons SET have helped me with this by letting me play football and helping me with the football boots. I recommend this to anyone. It does help and I have now found some more friends.”
This scheme is open to people who live in Milton Keynes and you can self-refer by registering at your first session. Details of the sessions can be found here – Football Over Mind (mkdonsset.com)
27 October 2025
Innovative facial analysis app recognises pain in care home residents
Danecroft is a 34-bed care home in Bedford, predominantly caring for people living with dementia but also other conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS. Since…
24 October 2025
Half term clinics to offer catch-up vaccinations for children
Parents of children who are behind on any of their immunisations have been reminded that there will be an opportunity to catch up on any…
17 October 2025
Local care providers use digital toolkit to monitor vital signs and prevent…
A remote monitoring toolkit has demonstrated potential for empowering care staff to make data-led healthcare decisions about the people they care for. The Whzan blue box measures vital signs such…
15 October 2025
One in five eligible people has already had their flu jab
One in five people eligible for the flu immunisation in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has already had their vaccination, new figures show. It’s always a good idea to get…
9 October 2025
Robotic pets comfort Bedford care home residents with dementia
Bedford-based care home residents are reaping the benefits of robotic therapy pets. Hepworth House Residential Care Home has 15 residents and since April 2025, two residents with dementia have been…
2 October 2025
Digital tool improves mobility and balance in people at risk of falls
The largest real-world evaluation of GaitSmart, an AI-driven digital tool for people with gait (walking pattern) and mobility issues across four sites in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, has seen improved health…