Wednesday 21 November 2007

Mr KickStart? About KickStart





What is it?

Mr KickStart is the mascot and logo for KickStart - the 5-a-side football league for dads, step-dads and male carers of children. But it's 5-a-side with a difference.


How does it work?

If you're a dad and you live in Gloucestershire then you can sign up and take part in a football league. What's more the football is free! And you get your health checked too. But there's more to KickStart than a chance for a kick around and a health check. You can score points for your team by playing football - but you can also score points by completing some very simple men's health and parenting tasks - these will be sent out to you every few weeks by the KickStart team.


Health, parenting - and football?

You might be wondering why we've combined football with health and parenting. Both health and parenting services are female dominated environments, which can be a barrier for some men who want to find out more about their health - or how they can help their child - but who feel inhibited or put off by traditional services staffed by women. This isn't to say that we want to put men off accessing these services - far from it; the point about KickStart is that by informing you about your own health and parenting choices by the activities we have put together you'll become more aware of what can affect you and your child, and how to improve health and parenting outcomes. Hopefully you'll also become aware of what's available to you around health and parenting services - and who can help you with advice or information should the need arise.

We'll also be checking your state of health, and putting on activities for you and your family throughout the league season. And you'll get the chance to improve your physical fitness via the football; a concern some dads have is about their level of football skill - don't worry, you don't have to be a great footballer to take part!

What about the activities?

These really are very simple - afterall, we want you to continue to take part - not drive you away! We'll send you a questionnaire containing 3 or 4 questions every few weeks. You can answer these by finding the answers in the accompanying literature we'll send to you with the questionnaire. Complete the questionnaire activity, and bring it with you to the next football match where it will be collected and points added to your team's tally of points by the KickStart team.

How do I get involved?

If you're interested you can email the KickStart team at kickstart@topmail.co.uk - or call us on the KickStart mobile on 07507 307123


KickStart is a partnership initiative put together by representatives working for Gloucestershire PCT, Gloucestershire County Council Children's Centres, , GL1 Living and Learning Centre/University of Gloucestershire, White City Community Project, and Hesters Way Partnership. KickStart is supported by Cheltenham Town FC. KickStart is a Fathers in Gloucestershire initiative.


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