About
A Message From Our Founder - Matt Deacon
In 2018 I started to struggle with mental health. I was a shadow of my former self, lost, no drive, struggling to leave the house or turn the key in the ignition to coach at my gym. Once I started being open with myself and presenting a true reflection, it felt like a weight had been lifted.
In 2020 I decided to pursue helping other people with their struggles and started Lift the Weight, using that name to give people that feeling that I felt. Over the next year I helped many people through coffee chats, phone calls or just being a listening ear.
I started working at Derby County Community Trust and saw the power that football can have on communities. After experiencing how successful other charity teams had been in creating impact, I knew this was the way to go. My small idea has turned into something big and it's only getting bigger!
If you would like to donate to Lift the Weight please click here. All donations go towards kit and other overheads to keep the team playing.
We are proudly sponsored by the Hike With Mike Foundation. They we run a series of organised hikes and events throughout the year. All the money raised from these goes into a fund. The fund is available to help anyone dealing with severe mental health issues who is on a waiting list with the NHS.
Those needing help can contact us via the Get Help contact form on this website or through our Instagram (@thehikewithmikefoundation).
Within 48 hours we will typically agree on funding for an initial 6 counselling or therapy sessions. We can source therapy on your behalf or you can come to us for funding for services you’ve chosen yourself.
For more details follow the link below.
