Archive for year: 2020

As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, EFL Trust are celebrating the one year anniversary of Extra Time Hubs, highlighting stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted from the project. We’re also showcasing how EFL Club Community Organisations have continued to provide support to a vulnerable section of society throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today we look at how Burton Albion’s former player and current academy coach Shaun Barker has joined together with the Brewers Academy staff and players to help prevent loneliness in their community.

Burton Albion are one of 11 EFL Clubs whose community charity runs Extra Time Hubs. The Hubs is a national social movement for people in their retirement years, to meet weekly, socialise and do things they enjoy. Funded by Sport England through the National Lottery, each Extra Time Hub harnesses the power of a football club in the local community to bring retired and semi-retired people together to combat loneliness and inactivity. As weekly gatherings haven’t been possible since lockdown, Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) have provided alternatives way to try and prevent loneliness and inactivity, with Barker and the academy players expressing a desire to get involved.

They were able to support the work BACT were doing for the local authority during lockdown by delivering parcels out in the community. This wasn’t an option for Barker due to a number of home commitments, however, he still made it clear that he wanted to help.

He said: “My wife’s business has been supporting our local village with a convenience store and I’ve been at home home-schooling our three daughters, so despite being really busy, I still wanted to help.

“BACT put me in touch with two men, John and Mark, who I’ve had weekly contact with over the phone. If I can make a difference to somebodies’ life by making a 20-minute phone call, then it’s really nice to know.

Studies show that 42% of those over the age of 55 are inactive. EFL Trust’s own research revealed many people would like the opportunity to meet peers to feel less isolated, live well and do things they enjoy.

Barker continues, “Both men are great and have seemed really appreciative of the calls over the past six or seven weeks. Mark’s a Burton fan and although John isn’t, I’ve still had lots to talk to them both about. It’s been far from a chore. We’re planning to meet up once we’re fully out of lockdown and hopefully I can invite them to a game.”

John’s son, contacted BACT to thank them and Shaun for their support. He said: “The support BACT have provided to my dad and I has made the past few difficult weeks bearable.

“My Dad turned 80 at the start of the COVID-19 crisis, but he had already had a difficult few months health-wise after a fall before Christmas. It triggered a sudden decline that saw him hospitalised three times in as many weeks. He picked up an infection in his first stay and now has a catheter, he requires a hip replacement, is diabetic, and has now been diagnosed with a heart condition too. 

“He lives alone and I’d spent the start of this year trying, largely unsuccessfully, to source some help for him as he was finding it difficult to cope. As Covid-19 unfolded, it became obvious we needed help from somewhere, but finding access to it proved difficult.

“We were signposted to BACT, who’ve been brilliant in arranging volunteers to find out what shopping my Dad needs and making sure it gets to him safely. Knowing someone was prepared to help with his food shopping when I might not be able to, was a huge weight off my mind. 

“We were satisfied enough, but BACT went even further when finding out that my dad felt quite isolated. BACT arranged for him to get a phone call every week just for a chat.

“Shaun Barker has been phoning my Dad and he’s really appreciated the call, despite never attending a football match in his life. The support BACT and Shaun have provided has been brilliant, and my dad has already been discussing with me how we can try and support them.”

To find out more about how EFL Community Club Organisations are tackling loneliness and isolation through the Extra Time Hubs visit www.efltrust.com/extratime/.

As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, we are celebrating the one year anniversary of Extra Time Hubs and highlighting stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted from the project.

We’re also showcasing how EFL Club Community Organisations have continued to provide support to a vulnerable section of society throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hub sessions are delivered by 11 EFL Clubs and are designed for those aged 55 with support from National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Extra Time Hubs are designed to engage retired and semi-retired people by harnessing the power of their local football clubs and to combat both loneliness and inactivity.

Maureen’s story:

Maureen has been a part of Derby County Community Trust’s Forever Active programme for over three years. She first started as a participant but wanted to give back to the Trust and help others, so she became a volunteer with the Trust in early 2019.

Maureen said: “Being a volunteer with Derby County Community Trust 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.”

She started off supporting the weekly Stability session for over 60s but soon after she started volunteering we began planning for the launch of our Extra Time Hub. Immediately, Maureen asked to be a part of this session and has played a pivotal role ever since, from setting up the session each fortnight to keeping everyone supplied with plenty of tea and coffee!  

Maureen has not only helped those within the sessions but she has also helped people with their transition into joining the group. 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 the COVID-19 pandemic she has been engaged in several group chats and is helping Jon (Physical Activity and Health Coach) to set challenges and encourage people to be more interactive in the group. As she has made friends within the group, she is calling them to make sure they are ok and if they need help in getting online to attend the virtual groups that are on offer.

Jon Fairbrother, Physical Activity and Health Coach 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 during lockdown.”

As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, we are highlighting stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by Extra Time Hubs and how our EFL Club Community Organisations have continued to provide support to a vulnerable section of society throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whilst loneliness can be experienced by anyone at any stage of their life, it is often older people who find constant loneliness hardest to overcome and they lack the friendship and support we all need.

EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hub sessions are delivered by 11 EFL Clubs and are designed for those aged 55 with support from National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Extra Time Hubs are designed to engage retired and semi-retired people by harnessing the power of their local football clubs and to combat both loneliness and inactivity.

Sheila’s story

Sheila Davies, who was given a distressing cancer diagnosis resulting in a long and difficult treatment plan that changed her life forever, describes Shrewsbury Town’s Extra Time Hub as a ‘godsend’ and that her world began to open up when she joined the session.

Sheila worked as an Assistant Manager at one of Shrewsbury’s local goldsmiths, until she had an accident resulting in a broken ankle. It was this injury that lead doctors to discover and give her the distressing cancer diagnosis and changed her life forever. During this time, Sheila understandably stopped working but began to present symptoms of a hereditary condition called Muscular Dystrophy.

In 2010 the road to cancer recovery began with Sheila learning to adapt to her ongoing condition. However, the euphoria of an all clear was cut short as mobility issues started to become a barrier in all aspects of her life; the hard-work Sheila put into her recovery could not stop.

It was in 2016 that Sheila’s grandson Tom mentioned the Extra Time Hubs group at Shrewsbury Town Community Trust. Following a quick coercion of her close friend Mary, both ladies attended the session for the first time. What they found was a weekly group of 40 older adults that come together for a cup of tea, indoor and outdoor activities, quizzes, games, crafts and more. Guest speakers and day trips away were a pleasant surprise and all with the support of friendly, experienced staff. In the four years since, both Sheila and Mary haven’t looked back once.

Sheila describes Extra Time Hubs as a ‘godsend’, saying that she didn’t know she was missing. Her world began to open following that first visit. Sheila took comfort in finding a place that offered her the facilities she needs to feel included and safe with regards to her mobility. The opportunity to defy her expectations of what was physically possible with her disability gave Sheila hope to continue the management of her condition with renewed vigor.

Over the last 4 years Sheila describes her favourite elements of the group as the day trips away, the opportunity to participate in physical activity and the visit of guest speakers. Being very much a social butterfly, Sheila has revelled in creating new friendships and bonds with other members of the group and often looks forward to the annual Christmas get together weeks in advance.

Taking day trips away is an Extra Time Hubs staple as the regular venue is unavailable during school holidays. It’s something that members like Sheila absolutely love; knowing that she will be looked after and supported in going to interesting places. The seaside, local walks and museum are all trips that Sheila has very fond memories of, ‘what could be better than taking a trip with friends, when all the hard work and planning is done for you!’

The no pressure approach to physical activities is also a key element of the group that has a huge impact on Sheila’s life. She feels confident to do as much or as little as she likes during session, without fear of pressure to participate. Sheila has been able to take part in lots of activities, overcoming her own perceived barriers with guards to mobility and her walking frame.

Away from the Shrewsbury Town Extra Time Hub, Sheila and a few of the other members regularly meet for drinks, food and social afternoons. Sheila is a very popular member of both groups thanks to her fantastic sense of humour and kind nature. More than that, she has become a beacon in this group, a diligent friend, regularly reaching out to other members with phone calls and cards.

The most important difference in Sheila’s life since her first visit in 2016, is the wonderful social life that has grown from joining the group, her confidence has begun to grow and her world has opened, ‘a transformation has occurred’. Upon leaving her career to battle with her health, Sheila became isolated. Sheila has a fantastic family, but without the routine of work and the freedom of easy mobility she soon had a lifestyle that didn’t suit her. Even the happiest, most positive person can become disillusioned. Sheila would never have described herself as lonely, only saying that she didn’t get out much. The group has helped to give that structure back, she looks forward to Thursday mornings, knowing there is a cup of tea and a new friend waiting for her. ‘Having something to look forward to just makes such a difference in life’

Although Muscular Dystrophy is a degenerative condition, Sheila feels safe coming to the Extra Time Hub thanks to Shrewsbury Town Community Trust’s accessible venue. She knows that she can join in physical activities if she wishes, playing games of bowls, botcha, even cricket and football. Admitting that she doesn’t take any exercise at home, these moments of movement are joyful for her, and of course improve so many elements of her overall wellbeing. 

During conversation with Mary, Sheila’s best friend explained ‘It got both of us out! It’s difficult to find places to get to and be part of. With regards to accessibility, the club was a big tick. We didn’t realise it would be so sport related, but we were allowed to fit in regardless, doing as much or as little as we liked’

Mary went on to say: “With her disability, she was becoming shut in with nowhere to go and no one to see, with the help of the Hub, she has been able to come back to the Sheila she was. When you’re shut up at home you become isolated and you lose confidence. It’s renewed her sense of self and sense of purpose. It has given us both more confidence.”

Sheila has said that joining the Hub has enhanced her life greatly. When asked to sum up the ways in which, she was lost for words. The most important element for her, is finding a big group of friends. Having to leave work the way she did, with the health difficulties that have shaped the next phase of her life, it means the world to her, to have found real friendships. The recurring phrase she used that is perhaps the most fitting for her experience, to use it again, is that it has been a ‘godsend’.

Whilst loneliness can be experienced by anyone at any stage of their life, it is often older people who find constant loneliness hardest to overcome and they lack the friendship and support we all need.

Lincoln City Foundation’s Extra Time Hub sessions are designed for those aged 55 and over and form part of a national project from the EFL Trust, with support from National Lottery funding from Sport England. Extra Time Hubs are designed to engage retired and semi-retired people by harnessing the power of their local football clubs and to combat both loneliness and inactivity.

As part of National Loneliness Awareness Week, we want to highlight how one of Lincoln City Foundation’s Extra Time Hub members, Barbara, has found the sessions to improve her life.

Barbara is a long-term resident of the Sincil Bank area and found out about the Extra Time Hub sessions from the Foundation’s Community Organiser, Joanna Okrasa, who approached her on the street. During a friendly conversation about the area, Barbara mentioned she felt there was not much to do for people her age, especially those who live alone. Joanna suggested she came along to the Extra Time Hub session on the following Wednesday morning and offered to meet her there. Barbara attended her first session has been coming every week since with a smile on her face and another story to share with others.

Barbara says “I am really pleased I met Joanna because I didn’t know anything about this sort of thing. It’s a place to meet, come and talk about what you’ve been doing during the day or what you’ve got planned.”

“I’m really enjoying the sessions at the Extra Time Hub, meeting people that I haven’t seen for years, who I’ve gone to school with. First time I went, there was a man sat there and he recognised me. It was a fireman I used to work with. He was in the same situation as I was. We have loads and loads to talk about. You meet people who want to talk, they each have a story that they want to tell you and each story is different. I live alone, so it’s nice to have somewhere to come to, place like this, where you can meet people like yourself, in the same situation. We do enjoy it. But I talk a lot so that’s probably why..!”

“I’d like to see a lot more people come to the Extra Time Hub. People that don’t come, they really want to think how nice it would be because it is a good place to meet people. I go on a Wednesday and I know I’ve helped somebody there. It’s an opportunity to share your problems too. It’s not just chatter, you can share things and be listened to. I recognise that. Not only that, off course, you do have some silly laughs. There are comical people there too. All makes it pleasurable.”

The Foundation’s face to face Extra Time Hub sessions remain paused at present during the Coronavirus outbreak, however members are keeping connected virtually through weekly online coffee mornings, via phone calls and through activity packs sent through the post.

For more information about the Extra Time Hub at Lincoln City Foundation or for support in accessing the weekly virtual coffee mornings, please contact: [email protected] or visit: https://www.lincolncityfoundation.com/extra-time-hubs