When three students from the Hollyfield School in south London began the Premier League Inspires Challenge last year, little did they know the impact their social action project would have on them as well as their local community.
The Hollyfield School team of Lola, Azaria and Hattie were invited to take part in the Challenge by the Fulham FC Foundation and, tasked with formulating an idea to raise mental health awareness in their local communities, they came up with 'Fulham Support' - a programme that involves going into local care homes to support elderly residents, engaging them in activities and keeping them company.
As part of the Challenge, which empowers participants to take on a social action project and make a difference to the world around them, the trio joined 44 other teams from across the country at a celebration event at Wembley Stadium. While there, they were able to meet other young people on the Premier League Inspires programme and to present their ideas.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we caught up with the three students to find out what the programme means to them.
Azaria
"We had a lot of ideas and after a doing our research, we all came to a conclusion that it would be good to do something with elderly people because a lot of them are lonely and feel like no-one's really looking out for them.
"Then when we got to meet the residents, it was an amazing experience, because we got to learn about what they used to do when they were our age. They were really funny and cheeky. It was just great to hear all of their jokes and make them happy, it was really nice seeing them smiling. I was smiling as well because I was very happy.
"Seeing their reaction, I felt that maybe I can do something like this as a job. Seeing people smiling because of me and my friends because of the idea that we had, I felt like I had accomplished something amazing.
"When I was in Year 7, I moved from a different school and I would frequently get into trouble. I didn't know anyone and I saw what other people were doing and thought I should be the class clown to fit in as well. I was put forward to work with Fulham Foundation and Premier League Inspires to help me improve my behaviour.
"After I joined Premier League Inspires with Fulham Foundation, my behaviour started changing, I wouldn't get into trouble so much. I was being recognised for being well behaved rather than being badly behaved. I was the girl that changed her behaviour.
"I'm very, very proud and I'm very proud of all the other girls, because I know they went through stuff as well; we've come together and we've helped each other.
"Premier League Inspires is an amazing experience. There's no need to be scared or feel like you're not worth it or to feel like all you do is make mistakes. You should be brave, you should be confident and you should believe in yourself.
"Hopefully I can inspire other people, that they will look at me and see what I am like now. I am proud of myself that I can be a figure for others that have been going through the same situation as me, and that I could make a change.
"I want to be a psychologist when I'm older and without Premier League Inspires, I wouldn't have the communication skills needed and my dream would have probably been just thrown away. This project has done a lot for me."
Hattie
"We wanted to address the fact that some elderly people have no-one. Developing the idea was fairly straightforward but at first, I think we were all a bit nervous going into the care homes because we've never done it before.
"But when we were there, we were a bit more relaxed. They were so welcoming and we realised that they just wanted to talk. They could just talk to us.
"We painted letters, we painted rocks and we went on a walk. We talked to them about their lives, their jobs. They loved talking to us.
"Seeing their responses made me feel better about myself; knowing that they could talk to me because they wouldn't have that many people to talk to normally. It's a special feeling knowing that we had this impact on others. At first I didn't really want to do it but by the end, I realised how much fun it is.
"I've changed. I've become more independent and confident. If you had told me 18 months ago that we would have done all this, I wouldn't have believed you. I am so glad I have done something like this.
"Being part of the Fulham Foundation means a lot because not that many people have a chance like this, especially at my age. It is a really big opportunity.
"Premier League Inspires has made me a better person. It's made me realise that although I have lots of people to talk to, some people don't and they need that company."
Lola
"We came up with the idea of going to care homes and speaking with the residents because when you think about mental health, you think about younger people. We thought it would be good to involve people who are older as their needs are the same.
"It was scary going into the care home for the first time as they're people that I have never met. I didn't know what they would be like. They came across really nice and very chatty. They were happy that we were there and that made me happy.
"It made me feel like we did a good job and that they've appreciated our time. It made me feel wanted. It was really nice.
"We were hearing their stories which was really interesting. You never hear many stories about the war from the people that were there, unless you are in a history class. It was fantastic to get to know a bit about their past and then they got to know a little bit about mine.
"Hearing their stories made me feel special because I don't feel like they would say those things to anybody.
"I couldn't have imagined what we've done. I am proud of myself. It's the best thing I have achieved.
"Before I joined Premier League Inspires, I wouldn't go anywhere with the teachers. I wouldn't go on trips and I wouldn't do anything else. It's helped me make friends and it's made me a more confident and happier person.
"I would say to anyone to get involved. It's a really fun opportunity. The programme has taken me to places where I've had to speak to people and every time I gained more confidence. I am more likely to put myself forward to do things now.
"I've wanted to be a detective for a long time but I had doubts that I would be able to do it because I don't socialise well. But this has given my confidence, now I think I can do it."
What is Premier League Inspires?
Premier League Inspires uses the appeal of football to help children and young people aged 11-18 to develop the personal skills and positive attitude to succeed in life. More than 29,000 young people have received more than 125,000 hours of targeted support across 960+ schools and educational facilities since the programme's launch in 2019.
The programme is delivered by 45 professional football club community organisations and is supported by the Professional Footballers' Association and the Premier League. More than £11.1m has been invested into the programme, via the Premier League Charitable Fund.
