Local Football Tournament Raises £5,000 for NHS Mental Health Services
Community Comes Together on the Pitch
A spirited football tournament recently brought together dozens of colleagues, local business partners, and community supporters across Surrey, culminating in an impressive fundraising haul of £5,000 for the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The event showcased what’s possible when local organisations rally behind a shared cause—supporting vulnerable people in our community who rely on vital NHS services.
The tournament’s final proved thrilling, with Kendra Massive edging out property firm CBRE on penalties in a tense match that had spectators on the edge of their seats. The NHS trust’s own team, comprising staff from across different departments and service areas, demonstrated impressive teamwork to secure fourth place. For many participants, the day offered something beyond just competitive football: a rare chance to connect with colleagues from different roles and departments in a relaxed, informal setting.
Olalekan Johnson, associate director of inpatient services and a key member of the trust team, reflected on the experience with genuine enthusiasm, noting how valuable it was to meet staff and partners outside the usual clinical environment. His comments echo what many community members are feeling—that these grassroots fundraising events create meaningful connections while supporting crucial services.
NHS Services That Matter to Our Neighbourhoods
The £5,000 raised will directly support four critical NHS service areas across Surrey: mental health services, learning disability support, neurodevelopmental services, and drug and alcohol treatment programmes. These aren’t abstract healthcare categories—they represent real services that touch the lives of thousands of our neighbours, family members, and friends who need specialist support.
Mental health services remain under increasing pressure across the region, with demand far outpacing resources. Learning disability services provide essential care and support for individuals with complex needs. The neurodevelopmental team helps people across all ages navigate conditions like autism and ADHD. Meanwhile, drug and alcohol services offer lifelines to people in our community struggling with addiction—services that, when properly resourced, can quite literally save lives.
The trust’s charity uses every penny efficiently to enhance what these services can offer beyond standard NHS funding. Whether that’s therapeutic resources, equipment, training opportunities, or small comforts for people in inpatient settings, this money genuinely makes a difference. It’s why local businesses and community members stepped up to participate in the tournament. They understand that supporting these services strengthens the social fabric of Surrey—ensuring that when anyone among us faces mental health challenges or needs specialist support, that care is there.
Building Momentum for Future Fundraising Events
Given the success of this inaugural tournament, the trust has committed to exploring further fundraising events and building what could become an annual tradition. Organisers specifically highlighted their intention to develop “more accessible fundraising opportunities,” recognising that not everyone can participate in competitive sports but still wants to contribute to this worthy cause.
This is important for those of us invested in supporting local services. Whether you’re based in central Guildford, the residential areas around Guilford builders and newly renovated properties featuring loft conversion work, or anywhere else across Surrey, there will likely be opportunities to get involved. Future events might range from family-friendly activities to corporate fundraisers, from sponsored walks to community celebrations.
If you’d like to support the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s charity or stay informed about upcoming fundraising events, reaching out directly is the best first step. Keep an eye on their communications channels for announcements. Community members interested in organising their own fundraising activities—whether that’s a loft refurbishment project fundraiser, workplace event, or neighbourhood initiative—can also contact the trust for support and guidance. The momentum from this tournament shows that when local people unite behind NHS services, remarkable things happen.
Source: Football tournament raises £5,000 for Surrey and Borders NHS Trust
