Starbucks has teamed up with the Harry Kane Foundation (HKF) in a major initiative to enhance mental wellbeing across the UK. This summer, the campaign aims to encourage meaningful conversations over coffee, emphasising the critical role of human connection in mental health.
Generous funding and community engagement
The collaboration features several unique elements designed to engage the public and foster dialogue. Notably, Starbucks will donate £500,000 to the Harry Kane Foundation over the next year. This funding will support various programs aimed at raising awareness, educating the public, and empowering individuals to address mental health issues1,2.
Harry Kane’s image on Starbucks cups
In Starbucks stores throughout England, customers will find Harry Kane’s image on coffee cup sleeves and in-store displays, intended to act as conversation starters. The campaign will also see the transformation of Starbucks’ Brompton Road store in London into a “Kindness Café” for the summer. This special venue will serve as a community hub where people can come together to talk and share experiences1.
Harry Kane’s vision
Harry Kane, the captain of the England football team and founder of HKF, emphasises the initiative’s potential impact. “Small talk really can make a big difference when it comes to our mental health and happiness,” Kane said. “Spending even a short time together talking can make you feel good in that moment, but also leave a memory that lasts. Remembering we are not on our own is a big boost to our wellbeing”2,3.
Addressing loneliness
The campaign addresses the concerning issue of loneliness, particularly among young adults. According to research, nearly six in ten people in Britain feel lonely, with 18-24-year-olds being the most affected demographic. A report by the Mental Health Foundation found that 44% of adults in the UK have felt lonely at some point, with 25% reporting that they have felt lonely occasionally or frequently in the last month. Loneliness has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and increased risk of mortality 4.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Further emphasising the severity of the issue, a study by the Office for National Statistics revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 7.2% of adults said they felt lonely “often” or “always,” highlighting the increased need for initiatives that foster human connection and support mental health2.
By fostering more human connections, the Starbucks and HKF partnership aims to reduce feelings of isolation and improve mental health across the nation2.
You might also like:
![A city skyline made from giant sugary snacks, representing how urban environments contribute to rising obesity rates, [obesity], [urban impact on health]](https://makeadifference.media/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AdobeStock_1006445057-2-2-e1737376035513.jpeg)
