Extra Time Hubs with Wigan Athletic Community Trust offers Dennis a new lease of life after Parkinsons diagnosis

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For Dennis Heaton, living with Parkinson’s disease has brought a number of challenges.

But six months after becoming involved with Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Extra Time programme, the retired welder has a new-found confidence which has seen him reach new heights by going rock climbing at the weekly session.

Running through the Wigan Athletic Supporters Project – the initiative aims to tackle social isolation amongst older people including Dennis – who reveals the positive impact it has had on his life.

“Having Parkinson’s disease has curtailed me a little bit”, he said. “It got me down a bit you know, it makes life slower and obviously more difficult and I worry about what people will think.

“But after going to my doctor I was told about the Extra Time programme by Katie – my local Community Link Worker. On my first day I was a bit nervous about meeting new people because you wonder how they’re going to react to you.

“I was made welcome straight away with a cup of tea, a biscuit, a game of dominoes and straight away I just fitted in like a glove.

“It’s really boosted my confidence; I feel a lot better and in fact I love coming. I joke with my family that on a Tuesday I’m going to my youth club.

“There’s always something to do whether that’s a game of pool, or the air hockey, I enjoy the walking football, badminton and I’ve even done rock climbing. There’s always something and there’s always somebody who’ll come and sit with you.

“I look forward to it every week and would say if anyone is thinking of coming then just come, enjoy it and give it a try and you’ll be surprised at how much it can change your life.”

Rock climbing at the session – which runs at Wigan Youth Zone every Tuesday between 1pm-3pm – is one of many activities on offer to members and for Dennis was something he was keen to have a go at.

He added: “I really enjoyed [rock climbing], I didn’t think I could do it, but I just had a go, if you don’t have a go you don’t know, do you?

“I had a go and next think I knew; I was up at the top. I flew up!”

Katie Ramsdale, the Community Link Worker for Wigan Central, who referred Dennis, says it’s wonderful to see the difference in him.

She said: “When I first met Dennis, I realised from meeting him on the first off, that he was quite socially isolated and quite low in mood.

“He had no confidence and he’d isolated himself because of his medical condition that he has. We spoke about social groups that could possibly be good for him to attend which is how he ended up attending and enjoying the Extra Time session.

“The progress he has made since then has been absolutely amazing from him not wanting to go shopping with his wife or wanting to walk the dog.

“Now six months down the line he’s got a new set of friends, he’s climbing the wall and doing loads of activities that he probably thought he was never going to have an opportunity to ever do.

“It’s been wonderful being part of that and seeing that progress.”

In January Dennis was recognised as the Trust’s Communtiy Hero as part of the English Football League Community Weekends. The nationwide celebration recognises the work of football clubs and community trusts in their local communities.

 

 

Remember the Rovers Visit Senior Training Ground

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Ahead of Blackburn Rovers fixture wit Ipswich Town, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Remember the Rovers group made a special visit to the Senior Training Centre.

The group, which has been running since 2019, brings people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia together weekly in the Darwen End Stand at Ewood Park and discuss their memories of following Rovers over the years in a social setting.

Now regularly attended by more than 40 people each Wednesday, the group have been on a number of Football related trips including to the National Football Museum and Deepdale.

The group have also organised visits with other club’s charitable organisations such as when they linked up with a group from the Manchester United Foundation and took part in a ground tour of Old Trafford as well as having lunch and a Q&A with former United and Rovers duo David May and Wes Brown.

In addition to this, they recently went on their first ever away day together in Rovers’ recent draw with Middlesbrough and met up with Middlesbrough FC Foundation’s Team Talk group.

Last Friday 35 participants had the privilege of visiting Blackburn Rovers’ STC where they enjoyed a tour of the facilities before they watched the First Team be taken through their paces by John Eustace’s coaching staff.

The group also received an audience with Blackburn Rovers CEO Steve Waggott, and ended the visit being able to part in a Q and A with Eustace and his coaches Matt Gardiner and David Lowe.

Gordon, a Remember the Rovers participant, remarked on the visit by saying “I’ve really enjoyed the day and to come inside the (STC) building and see the facilities has been tremendous.

“Blackburn Rovers is such a big part of life, and I never miss a game so to get the opportunity to speak with John Eustace was great!”

John Eustace added “As a professional footballer or coach you are very privileged and have a huge level of responsibility to those that support the club.

“Wherever I’ve worked I’ve tried to instil the idea of being a family and the most important thing for me is the fans and the players are one, so it was great to meet the group who are a part of a fantastic organisation.”

Proud to deliver Joy of moving programme in milestone year

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The EFL Trust is proud to celebrate 10 years of delivery across England and Wales of the Ferrero social responsibility programme, Joy of moving, with its network of Club Community Organisations (CCOs).

As the impactful programme enters its milestone 10th year, Joy of moving has inspired over 550,000 children to get moving through play and delivered over 2.5 million hours of learning in hundreds of schools.

With more than 70,000 children set to benefit from the programme this academic year via 27 CCOs, Joy of moving is based on a unique methodology, developed by Ferrero alongside independent experts.

Joy of moving encourages children to get active using play as the foundation, whilst helping them to develop key skills, such as motor coordination, creativity, and social skills.

In the UK, the unbranded Joy of moving programme consists of two elements: the Move & Learn project and the Joy of moving Festivals, delivered in schools.

Charlie Cayton, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Ferrero UK, said: “We are incredibly proud to be celebrating ten years of our Joy of moving social responsibility programme.

“The programme, delivered by our amazing partner and their fantastic Club Community Organisations, inspires children to get moving while playing and having fun.

“We know that this approach is key to get children engaged and I’m delighted to be able to say that together we have been able to reach over half a million children since our initiative began.

“Joy of moving has gone from strength to strength over the past decade and we’re excited for the programme to continue its success as we look ahead to the future.”

Adrian Bradley, Head of Healthier Communities at the EFL Trust added: “More than half (53 per cent) of children do not meet the Chief Medical Officer guidelines of taking part in sport and physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day, according to Sport England findings*.

“Our Club Community Organisations (CCOs) are at the heart of their communities and have been integral in the development and delivery of the Joy of moving programme designed to inspire active lifestyles in children, teaching children how to enjoy moving through play, and to help them develop positive habits for adulthood.”

To learn more about the Joy of moving programme visit www.efltrust.com/joyofmoving

Swansea City AFC Foundation’s FIT JACKS participants collect 50kg of food for local foodbank

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Swansea City AFC Foundation’s FIT JACKS participants collected 50kg of food for the Swansea Community Fridge foodbank to mark the end of their training programme.

The participants brought 110 items to their final FIT JACKS session for the local foodbank, having planned the donations with participant Layla Lucas, who manages Swansea Community Fridge.

The food was delivered to Swansea Community Fridge, which has seen a rise in demand during the COVID pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis.

Layla was delighted to see her fellow participants come together to support the campaign, having suggested the idea to the group.

“It’s absolutely amazing, I thought we might get three or four tins here, but to get as much as we did is great, especially with the cost-of-living crisis,” said Layla.

“At Swansea Community Fridge we take in surplus food from supermarkets and other places, and we distribute it to the community to prevent waste going to landfill.

“I thought it would be nice for the group to have a collection for an organisation that organises food, it didn’t have to be mine, but after running it by the Foundation they were happy to take part and thankfully everyone got on board.

“This will help us feed up to 200 people with our food parcels each week, it’s a huge benefit, some weeks we don’t get much food from supermarkets so this will help supplement it.”

To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

    * Please Choose Club

    Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data.

     

     

    Extra Time Hubs with Wigan Athletic Community Trust has been a lifesaver for David and his wife Carys

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    Extra Time Hubs with Wigan Athletic Community Trust has become the highlight of David and his wife and carer, Carys’ week.

    Before joining the sessions, David struggled with illness and was in and out of the hospital regularly until he, unfortunately, had to have his leg amputated. Shortly after, David was also diagnosed with mixed dementia.

    With Carys taking on the role of his carer, the pair were adjusting to David’s condition and his new life in a wheelchair. While dealing with the adjustment, they found themselves increasingly isolated and simply unable to meet new people or engage socially.

    That was until they were referred to the Extra Time Programme by a Community Link worker to help them re-engage with the community while also giving Carys a chance to relax and unwind while knowing that David still had support around him.

    The pair have become a staple of the Extra Time Hub at Wigan Youth Zone ever since joining their first session. The session has become “the highlight of their week” while enabling them to build new friendships, increase their mobility and gain a new lease on life.

    The Extra Time Programme, originally created by the EFL Trust and funded in partnership with Wigan Athletic Supporters Club, hosts weekly Extra Time Hubs at Wigan Youth Zone and Leigh Miners with the aim of tackling loneliness and social isolation amongst our elderly community.

    The Hubs enable retired and semi-retired people make the most of their free time and enjoy doing the things they want to do. With friendships, support and being the socially active forefront of the Hubs aim, participants decide what they wish to take in with various activities on offer from quizzes to walking football.

    Speaking about her enjoyment of the sessions, Carys said:

    “Before coming to the Extra Time Hub, he [David] was very poorly for a couple of years, in and out of the hospital, and then unfortunately, he had to have his leg amputated.

    “And then he was diagnosed with mixed dementia. We were just getting used to the fact that he was now in a wheelchair, but we weren’t seeing people. It was just impossible to do it at that particular time.

    “A Community Link worker came to the house and suggested that we come here. So she made a referral to Christine [WACT Extra Time Hub Activator], and within a week, we came here.

    “From the minute we came in, you could sense there was a lovely atmosphere. We were greeted by Christine, smiling. We were introduced to different people, and we’ve been treated as we hadn’t been for quite some time, to be honest.

    “And my husband has found that he can move around and do things, there’s space here for him to do things and he’s really enjoyed doing the activities.

    “As far as my husband and I are concerned, it’s been a lifesaver.

    “It’s the highlight of the week for us. We’ve been making new friends with people as well.

    “Everybody’s so friendly. They can’t do enough to help us.”

    Her thoughts were echoed by her husband David, who added:

    “I’m used to doing things myself, and I can’t do them now, so I get a bit frustrated, but I try and let it go and carry on doing what I can, and I’m enjoying myself, really.

    “All the staff, they’re helpful, they’ll explain everything,

    “I enjoy myself, and I look forward to coming every Tuesday, and I feel better for it.”

    Adrian Bradley the EFL Trust’s Health and Wellbeing lead, explains, “With Extra Time Hubs we set out to do something different. Activities for Older people tended to be small coffee morning or bingo sessions. We want to create a social community of people in their retirement years who meet regularly to socialise and to do the things they enjoy, not what we tell them they should enjoy. We focus on the social side of the hub and help people to feel better by reducing their social isolation and loneliness. By getting people more socially active we nudge them towards more a physically active lifestyles – it’s health by stealth.”

    Sky Blues in the Community’s Dementia Active tackling the difficulties those with dementia face.

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    Football Clubs are helping to tackle is Dementia. In England, it is estimated that 675,000 people have dementia. The majority, although not all, of these individuals are over 65 and have other underlying health conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on everyone but for those with dementia it was really bad feel like really bad could be something different to really emphasise it.. Social isolation meant a significant impact to daily life and a disruption of normal routines and care for over two years. Research has shown that extended isolation is linked to worsening cognitive ability, as well as an increase in mental health issues including loneliness and depression. Even when people were able to slowly return to their pre-pandemic routine, for older adults with dementia, a return to the ‘old normal’ has been harder to manage due to a decline in cognitive health.

    Recognising that those with dementia were disproportionately negatively impacted by the pandemic, Sky Blues in the Community worked with Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust to identify the local need. Consequently, Sky Blues in the Community (SBitC) received funding from the Warwickshire Social Impact Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver ‘Dementia Active’.

    Dementia Active is delivered by SBitC in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust. Therefore, the programme offers support from SBitC’s Senior Coaches as well as staff from CWPT’s specialist secondary care Dementia service. The aim of Dementia Active is to tackle social isolation and increase physical activity, which in turn promotes self-care, increases support networks, increases cognitive stimulation, and supports mobility.

    Another key focus is ensuring participants benefit by socialising. The programme encourages conversations, create welcoming, positive, relaxed environments for participants from across the social spectrum and age ranges to come together and make friends. Moreover, Dementia Active supports carers to benefit from respite, socialise with other carers and develop a support network. At a Dementia Active session, there is a menu of weekly activities. These are multi sports, physical activities which help participants relax, have fun, socialise and include warm-ups, “feel-good” exercises, drills, skills, games followed by football, cricket, badminton, basketball, table tennis, bowls, indoor archery, cool downs etc. They are tailored to ability and mobility to ensure everyone can participate.

    The parents of one participant commented “My son is 20 and has Dementia as a result from a neurological condition. We found that there were no services in the community for him, so it was just so lovely to hear about this Dementia active group where he could come along and engage in the bits that he liked. We came along today and it’s amazing, it’s really good. He’s played badminton, he’s been bowling, throwing bean bags, he loves the archery! Sky Blues in the Community are so supportive and they engage with him 1-2-1.”

     

    FIT FANS with Plymouth Argyle has given Michael the ability to be active with his children.

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    Before attending the FIT PILGRIMS programme, Michael’s biggest motivator was his kids and being unable to engage in simple physical activities with them left him with feelings of anger and sadness.

    However, the 12-week programme with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust has transformed Michael’s physical and mental health.

    He explained: “Now, I am happier, I’m happy with my progress, happy with my mindset, happy with how I feel overall with my health and fitness because its improving.”

    Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

    Throughout the programme, Michael lost 13.5kg in weight, and has not only seen the benefit in his physical performance but has also learnt that nutrition is a key factor in living a healthy lifestyle.

    He said: “I’m much  more active throughout the day, averaging 7 miles each day. I’m more conscious of what I am eating and looking for better options rather than the quick, cheapest option that tends to be the worst.”

    With such great results, that have benefitted his children too, Michael has engaged with other programmes the Trust run to ensure he remains active, all whilst having fun.

    To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

      * Please Choose Club

      Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

      FIT FANS with Bolton Wanderers in the Community provides participants with incentive and guidance towards a healthier lifestyle.

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      Pete had joined the FIT TROTTERS programme after hearing of his brothers results on a previous cohort. The pandemic had brought about a change in circumstances that saw Pete take on some carer responsibilities to his partner’s stepbrother after they sadly lost both their mother and father through COVID-19. He then had his own personal health, and wellbeing worries but also Stephen’s.

      Transitioning out of the pandemic caused him to become aware of the weight had had put on as his daily activity had decreased due to homeworking.  Although, he knew change was needed, he was lost with no sense of direction on where or how to start.

      For most, change comes with an overriding emotion of fear and apprehension and that was very much the case for FIT TROTTTERS participants Darren, Stephen and Pete.

      However, the camaraderie of the group and the work of staff members, Jack and Tom, they were all soon made to feel part of a wider family, all trying to achieve the same goals.

      Pete said: “Jack, Tom and the participants there on day 1 really did break the ice and include us both. As I said with Stephen’s learning disabilities it was really daunting and scary but right from the first minute, we were both made to feel welcome and more importantly included.”

      The sense of belonging has continued long after the 12-week course had finished with all still being included in social groups via Facebook and WhatsApp to allow them to continue the friendships that had blossomed on the course, all whilst still encouraging each other to keep up their lifestyle changes.

      The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

      Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

      Darren, much like Pete knew he needed to address his weight gain over the past year but never planned any actions to do so until his friend asked him to accompany him on the FIT TROTTERS course.

      He also echoed Pete’s thoughts on the support of the group: “Whilst it was by no means competitive being part of a group who all have the same aims helps to drive you along and to be there to support and drive forward your fellow participants. I have loved every minute of it.”

      Having successfully completed the course, all three lost over 11kgs each but the trio also credit the course for its educational elements that they have implemented to not only help their physical health but general wellbeing too.

      Darren explained: “I’m now more knowledgeable of the right type of foods to eat and portion control. It got me out walking regularly which helped bring down the weight and blood pressure and meeting new friends. I would recommend it to anyone from a general wellbeing point of view.”

      Pete said: “The new friends and people to talk to for Stephen is huge, his confidence has grown and his willingness to participate also. From choosing to sit on a reception desk for three days at his day care to doing sport, art and gardening, he would not have made that choice a year ago. I doubt many people will understand the impact that has had on the lad.”

      To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

        * Please Choose Club

        Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

        Maureen: “Being a volunteer with Derby County has given me a huge confidence boost and increased my own wellbeing knowing that I am helping others to be both physically and socially active.”

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        Maureen Reece has become a vital part of Derby County Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub enabling retired and semi-retired people like herself to make the most of their free time.

        Maureen started her journey with Derby County as participant in the Community Trust’s Forever Active project, an exercise programme for the over 55’s, over five years ago.  However, Maureen enjoyed the sessions so much that she decided she wanted to give back to the Trust and help others. She became a DCCT volunteer in early 2019.

        She started off supporting the weekly Stability session for over 60s. However soon after she started volunteering, the Trust joined the EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hub Network and began planning the launch of their Hub.  Initially funded by the National Lottery and Sport England, Extra Time Hubs aim to make a positive difference to the lives of semi-retired and retired people. The Hubs are communities of likeminded people.  They include weekly gatherings, often at the football stadium, but also a varied combination of face to face and online groups and activities. Crucially at the hub all the activity that takes place is shaped by the members and they are supported to do the things that they want to do.

        Immediately, Maureen asked to be a part of this sessions and has played a pivotal role ever since, form setting up the session each fortnight to keeping everyone supplied with plenty of tea and coffee!  Maureen has helped others within the sessions she supports and helped people join the groups too. She is always happy about seeing people achieve their goals and progressing. She commits five hours per week to the Trust and is always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

        During lockdown, Maureen remained engaged in several group chats and is helped staff to set challenges and encourage people to be more interactive in the group. When asked about how the sessions supported her during the pandemic, she answered that they “had been a lifesaver, as someone living alone.”

        Maureen also became an integral part of the Rams Lunch Club project, which has provided meals to various groups and helped reconnect isolated members of society. Maureen added: “Being a volunteer has given me a huge confidence boost and increased my own wellbeing, knowing that I am helping others to be both physically and socially active.”

        Jon Fairbrother Physical Activity and Health Officer added: “Maureen always has a smile on her face and is willing to help anyone. Her enthusiasm encourages the group to continue to attend and has helped with social activities away from the group too, which has been so important.”

        To find out more about Extra Time Hubs click here.

         

        FIT FANS rewarded with a behind the scenes visit to West Bromwich Albion Training Ground

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        Participants from West Bromwich Albion’s Foundation, FIT BAGGIES programme recently paid a visit to the clubs training ground, as a reward for completing their 12-week health, fitness and lifestyle programme.

        The group were invited along to use the players’ gym and Albion training ground facilities for their first FIT BAGGIES session of the new year.

        The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

        Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

        Keith Whitehouse, a FIT BAGGIES member and lifelong Baggies fan, was delighted to visit the training ground and was keen to highlight the benefits FIT BAGGIES has had on his life, with Keith also now part of The Foundation’s walking football team.

        “It’s been a great opportunity, I’ve been a season-ticket holder for over 35 years and a supporter for over 50 years. I only live up the road from here, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to visit and look at the fantastic facilities the club has.

        “Fit Baggies has helped my fitness get to a nice position and I’ve lost some weight too. I’ve been able to maintain that weight loss and it’s given me enthusiasm to keep on with the programme, watching what I’m eating, going on regular walks and keeping up my fitness.

        “I also attend walking football every week, and that’s a really good programme, it’s always friendly, fun and a great activity – it’s surprising how much energy you use in one hour of walking football. It’s a bit of a social event too, it’s really worthwhile and good for your mental health as well.”

        Each FIT BAGGIES session involves 45 minutes of lifestyle education in which participants are educated on how they can start to make changes to their lifestyles which will benefit their overall health and wellbeing, whether that be through diet improvements, or exercises that positively impact physical and mental health.

        Following on from their participation in the last round of FIT BAGGIES, several members have started to take part in various other sessions or events that The Albion Foundation has on offer to the Sandwell community as well as embarking on their own challenges too.

        For example, Racquel Parchment, who joined FIT BAGGIES in April 2022, took part in last year’s colour run, completed the million-step challenge for Diabetes UK and has also started to get her family involved with The Foundation, with her son Jude part of the Kicks programme.

        “Before joining FIT BAGGIES, I felt that I just wanted to make my body stronger and learn about healthy eating. Upon starting the programme, that’s what we straight into.

        “When I started, I had no idea I’d be taking part in a 5K Colour Run, but it was the most amazing opportunity that I was given. With the encouragement of the team, I took part. Not only did I take part, but my husband and my three children did as well.

        “My youngest son Jude has been involved with the foundation for several years, he’s been part of the Kicks programme which he loves thoroughly. For him he’s been blossoming from the day he started.

        “I recently completed the million-step challenge for Diabetes UK too, which I feel very proud of. The previous me wouldn’t have done anything like that before, but Fit Baggies gave me the confidence to do that and to know that you can really achieve anything you want to.”

        To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

          * Please Choose Club

          Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data