Albion Foundation Building Futures mentors and students from Bristnall Hall Academy have taken inspiring steps to promote positive mental health and body confidence as part of this year’s Premier League Inspires Challenge.
The group recently shared their impactful social action project, Throw It Out, with fellow students, encouraging young people to let go of negative thoughts and embrace self-worth.
Their journey continued as they showcased their work at the West Bromwich Albion Fanzone ahead of WBA vs Wrexham on April 3, using the experience as extra preparation before making the exciting trip to the Premier League Inspires Challenge Celebration Event at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday, April 29.
At the heart of their project is a powerful message they want every young person to hear:
“Your mind matters, your voice matters, you matter.”
The students chose to focus on an issue affecting millions, how mental health is shaped by the way individuals see their bodies. Every day, countless people look in the mirror and feel they are not enough, not because they have changed overnight, but because society has pressured them into believing they should look a certain way. The group set out to challenge these feelings and create a safe, supportive environment where students feel valued and confident exactly as they are.
They highlighted the strong connection between mental health and body image. External pressures from social media, peers, or cultural expectations can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Negative body image often leads to negative thought cycles, which impact wider wellbeing. By encouraging self-kindness and helping young people focus on strengths beyond appearance, the students aimed to support healthier mindsets and open conversations around mental wellbeing.
One of the students involved in the project, Dougie, reflected on the impact of Throw It Out:
“We wanted people to realise they are not alone in how they feel. Seeing students take part in the activities and smile after reading something positive showed us that small actions can make a big difference.”
To promote their message, the group delivered several interactive activities, each representing the idea of throwing out negative emotions.
Beach Ball Fun and Compliment Spin the Wheel
Students who caught the beach ball earned a spin on the Compliment Wheel. When the dial landed on a positive statement, participants read it aloud and reflected on how it made them feel, encouraging uplifting conversations and joyful interaction.
Post-It Poster
Participants wrote something they disliked about themselves on a Post-It note. The project team then responded with positive messages, reminding students that they are appreciated and valued.
Positivity Postcards
Students wrote meaningful, uplifting messages to someone they admire, helping spread kindness across the Academy.
Peaches Campbell, Building Futures Senior Mentor, said:
“The young people have shown real maturity and leadership through this project. They identified an issue that affects so many and created engaging activities that allowed others to reflect, connect and feel supported. This is exactly what Premier League Inspires is about, giving young people the platform to create positive change in their communities.”
Through Throw It Out, the Bristnall Hall students have demonstrated leadership and creativity. Their commitment to improving the wellbeing of others reflects the core values of The Albion Foundation and the Premier League Inspires programme.
As they head to the national Celebration Event on April 29 at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the group continues to inspire their peers with messages of positivity.
