Although Sheffield’s football allegiance is split into two halves, off the pitch, both clubs have teams working towards the same goal – improving health through physical activity.
Sheffield United Foundation and Sheffield Wednesday community programme offer a range of programmes to support their local communities. Both clubs have a focus on reducing inequalities, through working with people at risk of long-term health conditions and socially disadvantaged groups. Here’s some examples of the amazing programmes that clubs are running.
Hillsborough Tackles Diabetes
Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme works in partnership with Tramways and Middlewood Medical Centres, and other GP practices around Hillsborough to help support people with type 2 diabetes or people at risk of becoming diabetic.
Once a month practice nurses from the medical centres come to Hillsborough Stadium to do diabetic health checks from the executive boxes.
After seeing the nurse, the health team from Sheffield Wednesday talk to people about the type of activity they would be interested in and their current lifestyle. People are then offered 1-1 physical activity support with a qualified fitness instructor and the chance to see a nutritionist.
Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme will also be setting up a 6-week group course which involves a session about healthy eating followed by a group exercise class. Nurses and GPs from the Hillsborough medical centres can also refer patients directly into the programme for 1-1 or group support.
Walking Bus United
Sheffield United Foundation have been working with refugees and Mears Housing to offer sessions and opportunities to all refugees that are new to Sheffield. They offer physical activity and social opportunities to help improve people's physical and mental health and help build social connections.
Navigating around a new city with little knowledge of the area is a big challenge for the refugee community and can be very daunting. As a result, refugees are much more likely to be physically inactive and isolated. To help overcome this barrier, Sheffield United Foundation have set up a walking bus initiative.
Before a session, a member of staff from Sheffield United will go to the accommodation, meet everyone that’s signed up and walk everyone across to the venue. The programme has had great success and is helping refugees to build confidence in their local area and make connections.
Sheffield United Foundation plan to embed more programmes locally in the 29 ward areas they work in, aiming to provide accessible opportunities within everyone's 10 minute travel bubble, allowing communities to connect more.
These programmes are great examples of doing things differently - Partnership working with the NHS and the value of providing support outside traditional medical settings, as well as removing barriers to people being active, in creative ways.
If you’d like more information about the work either of our football clubs are doing to support local people to be more active, please contact:
James Ball from Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme James.ball@swfc.co.uk
Beth Wragg from Sheffield United Foundation beth.wragg@sufc-community.co.uk
