Pam’s Story: “Extra Time Hubs has supported my mental health, especially through lockdown”

The past year has been testing on many of the participants that our Network interacts with across the county. However, our Clubs and their charities have have made it their main focus to support all participants. One group that’s especially need help through this difficult period are our Extra Time Hub members 

Pam’s story is typical of the people who have benefitted from our the Extra Time Hubs.  Pam joined Crawley Towns Extra Time Hub at an already difficult time in her personal life and during the pandemic she was identified as needing more support.

The EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hubs movement brings people together in their retirement years to socialise, do things they enjoy and feel better connected. The effects of being physically and socially active can be profound. During Mental Health Awareness Week it is now more important than ever to highlight the impact your mental health can have on your life, relationships and jobs – causing you to feel isolated and alone.

Pam joined Extra Time Hub back in the Summer of 2019 after moving from Kent.  Tragically shortly after the move she lost her husband. Alone in a new area she felt very isolated. She used to be part of a number of clubs when she lived in Kent and was not used to being inactive which juts added to the sense of isolation.

When she joined the Hub she was unaware that it was associated with Crawley Town FC, and despite not enjoying football she was pleased to be able to meet likeminded people of a similar age with different interests. She said,

“Extra Time Hubs has supported my mental health, especially through lockdown through the ongoing weekly phone calls and keeping me physically and mentally active on the Zoom calls with the other members. This programme has helped to keep me sane; I’ve had my down days but the support from everyone has been lovely and really helped me to get back on my feet.”

Throughout lockdown and with the addition of Tackling Loneliness Together, the Community Development team, at Crawley Town Community Foundation have been working hard to support everyone equally to ensure they don’t feel isolated in this difficult time. Keeping in contact with them and delivering virtual sessions has been the best form of support.

See our extra time hub webpage for more details of what is happening near you.