Our Partnership with The Bobby Copping Foundation

The foundation’s vision is clear: To become the leading mental health charity in the UK, with the mission to ensure no one suffers in silence.

Founded by Bobby Copping and Kayleigh Stent, the charity was born out of deeply personal experiences. Bobby, a former professional footballer, was forced to retire at just 19 following a life-changing injury. Kayleigh, meanwhile, continues to navigate the challenges of a rare cancer diagnosis received in 2016. Together, their shared passion and resilience have driven the development of the Bobby Copping Foundation, which now provides free counselling and support to individuals of all ages.

We have seen first-hand the incredible impact the foundation has had on our students, staff, and the wider community. Once a referral is made, the response is swift, with contact usually made within 2 to 7 days, and a first counselling session often arranged within three weeks, entirely free of charge. The foundation offers six one-hour therapy sessions, and where further support is needed, they work closely with counsellors to provide additional sessions tailored to individual needs.

What makes the Foundation truly unique is that its support goes beyond counselling. Our students have benefited from one-to-one mentoring with Bobby, along with access to engaging workshops and talks covering themes such as:

• Resilience
• Self-awareness
• Mental health education
• Personal stories from Bobby and Kayleigh

Their workshops are inspiring and powerful, helping students understand that even in the darkest of times, with the right support, resilience and hope can flourish. Their lived experiences offer an invaluable perspective that encourages others to speak up and seek help.

To support the incredible work BCF provides, In-toto has started its own fundraising journey. Our first event, an Easter raffle, raised over £200. We also have an ongoing change jar fundraiser, and plans are in place for bigger, more inclusive events next year. Our goal is to unite all three sites in a shared mission, to promote mental health awareness, remove stigma, and show that reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness.

BCF themselves continue to lead by example with their own ambitious fundraising efforts, including hiking Mount Snowdon and hosting a Summer Ball. Inspired by this, we hope to launch our own challenge, encouraging students and staff alike to step outside their comfort zones and support mental health causes together. Ideas could include:

• A 30-day personal challenge during World Mental Health Day (October)
• Events to support Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month (November)
• Sponsored walks at Rutland Water
• Creative community challenges or themed fundraising events

Let’s make this a shared movement for ourselves, for each other, and for those still finding their voice.

To find out more about the amazing work of The Bobby Copping Foundation, please visit their website below:

Home - The Bobby Copping Foundation