A warehouse worker whose life has been turned around thanks to a charity football initiative stars alongside an England footballer in a new exhibition from the renowned photographer Rankin.
Matt Kennard, who has struggled with mental health issues all his life, described More than Football – a local mental health initiative that uses the power of football to prevent suicide and mental health crises among men at risk - as “a lifeline”.
The project was delivered by Albion in the Community and funded by NHS Charities Together and Heads On, the official charity for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
The 38-year-old from Worthing is one of 14 NHS staff, patients and volunteers starring in Love and Charity: A History of Giving in the NHS, which celebrates the vital role charities have played throughout the health service’s history, ahead of the NHS’s 75th anniversary on July 5.
Led by NHS Charities Together, the national charity caring for the NHS, and Rankin, all portraits will be displayed at the Saatchi gallery in London from May 31 to June 11.
“Over the years, I faced a number of issues that affected my mental health,” said Matt.
“I had breakdowns in friendships and relationships, I’d been through a lot of jobs, and my wife had an accident that almost paralysed her. It all really came to light in lockdown, when I just lost myself and began spiralling.
"I became more and more disillusioned, to a point where I didn’t care about anything anymore.
“When I saw More Than Football, it felt like a lifeline, and from the minute I turned up I felt comfortable and accepted. The atmosphere was friendly, and everyone talked openly about how they were feeling.
"It’s a massive part of my life now and I can’t put a price on the difference it’s made to me. The work charities do to support the NHS, especially in local communities, is something we need to preserve, because what’s helped me could help millions of others.”
Matt, who is a lifelong Liverpool fan, was surprised by England player, Liverpool captain and NHS Charities Together ambassador Jordan Henderson, on set.
“Hearing from Matt was incredible, and I know there are plenty of other people who have been helped like him,” said Jordan.
“It’s important to highlight the amazing work that’s going on behind the scenes with NHS Charities Together.
“NHS charities help in so many different areas – and in our communities as well as in hospitals. The more eyes on it the better because more support ultimately can save lives.”
Rankin, who has photographed the likes of the Queen, David Bowie, Madonna and Kate Moss, said the experience had been eye-opening.
He said: “The thing I’ve learned from all these people is how much of a massive contribution NHS charities make to the national health service.
"You don’t realise the scale of support that’s out there – they fund research and new technologies, accommodation and support for patients, and extra services so more of us can access better care.
“I used to work in the NHS but honestly had no idea.”
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