Starbucks UK donates £500k to the Harry Kane Foundation to tackle loneliness

In Britain, 6 out of 10 adults feel lonely for most, often, or some of the time.

Across the next 12 months, Starbucks UK is donating £500k to Harry Kane Foundation to help bring people together by kicking off a conversation over a coffee to support mental well being. 

This comes after a survey by the Centre of Social Justice revealed that almost six in 10 adults – around 31.4 million people – feel lonely most, often or some of the time. The research also found that the younger generation are the loneliest, with seven out of 10 of 18-24 year-olds saying they feel lonely, compared to under half of those aged 65 and over.

Founded on World Mental Health Day in October 2022, the Harry Kane Foundation launched with a mission to transform a generation’s thinking about mental health. Spearheaded by the England football Captain and Bayern Munich striker, the foundation promotes habits that build psychological fitness (mental resilience and emotional wellbeing) and provides practical support to the public through mental health services.

Unique coffee cup sleeves and stickers will act as real-life conversation starters in store, encouraging customers and partners alike to connect with a stranger, their family or friends over their shared passions as the nation comes together to celebrate the summer of sport. Plus, London’s Brompton Road Starbucks store will be transformed into a Connection Café over the summer, inviting customers to come in and talk.  

“Small talk really can make a big difference when it comes to our mental health and happiness,” Harry Kane says. “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.” 

“This initiative through my Foundation with Starbucks UK will get more human connections going, creating special moments through something we all love, whether it is football or a good cup of coffee!”