Wanderers' Chairman Sharon Brittan will once again lead a group of fundraisers for the annual ‘Chairman’s Walk’ next month in a bid to raise funds for Bolton Wanderers in the Community’s (BWitC) new Wellbeing Hub.
With places now available to book, the Chairman’s Walk 2023 will take place on Saturday 22nd April and will see fundraisers cover 12 miles, visiting key landmarks related to the history of Bolton Wanderers before finishing at the University of Bolton Stadium for the club’s fixture versus Shrewsbury Town.
Money raised from the event will support the upcoming launch of BWitC’s ‘Wellbeing Hub’, which will facilities activities that aim to support individuals’ mental wellbeing.
The event coincides with the 100th anniversary year of Wanderers’ 1923 FA Cup triumph at Wembley. Throughout the rounds of the competition, Wanderers fans at the time clocked up many miles travelling by foot to watch their beloved Whites.
Club Chairman Sharon Brittan said: “The Wellbeing Hub will provide BWitC with a welcoming space to continue to deliver their mental health and wellbeing provision, which directly addresses the growing support people unfortunately require.
“They continue to work with those communities that are most likely to be experiencing health inequalities which have been further exacerbated by the events over the past 12 months. Those communities include people who are experiencing poverty, are unemployed, disadvantaged young people and isolated senior residents.
“I’m looking forward to as many fans as possible joining me on our second Chairman’s Walk and, together, we can help raise vital funds for BWitC as they support those in our community who need help the most.”
Richard Slater, Insight and Impact Manager for Bolton Wanderers in the Community, said: “We have over the last 12 months seen a marked increase in the demand for our services supporting people with their mental health and overall wellbeing.
“In this current rise in the cost-of-living climate there are a number of worries for people including being pushed into debt, experiencing food and fuel poverty, often having to make the choice between heating their home or eating.
“We have opened up a warm space this winter to help reduce people’s energy and food bills and the Wellbeing Hub will be somewhere that we can base our services out of and increase our capacity to deliver more provision such as the warm spaces to benefit the wider Bolton community.”
Chairman's Walk to Accrington 2022
Event details:
The Chairman’s Walk will take place on Saturday 22nd April, ahead of Bolton Wanderers’ home fixture v Shrewsbury Town on the same day. Fundraisers will gather at the home of Old Boltonian’s football ground – the oldest football ground in the world and the birthplace of Turton FC – at 7:30am with a departure time of 8am.
The walk is 12 miles and is estimated to take around four to five hours. The aim is to arrive at the University of Bolton Stadium for approximately 12pm, ahead of kick off at 3pm.
Places cost £10 and fundraisers are asked to raise a minimum of £200 to take part. The price of registration includes a ticket to the Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town fixture.
The Chairman’s Walk event is designed to be a challenge and is open to over 18s only. Therefore, Bolton Wanderers in the Community advise that those who wish to take part possess a reasonable level of fitness.
Fans who would like to take on the challenge can register their place HERE.
For those who are unable to take part but would like to make a donation, please visit the Chairman's Walk JustGiving link here.
For more information, please contact Fran Austen on – fausten@bwitc.org.uk
Wellbeing Hub: The Wellbeing Hub will be based at the University of Bolton Stadium in the space that previously housed the Covid vaccination centre. The Hub will host a number of existing wellbeing projects and will enable additional projects and capacity to expand the offer to the community. Projects and events to be delivered from the Hub currently include:
Team Talk: is a mental health project designed to provide a ‘safe space’ for men to talk and aims to offer a support network for those who may need additional support. Open to men aged 18+, the sessions enable conversations to be had around mental health. Topics are covered in an informal setting and include coping mechanisms, peer to peer support, and recognising triggers.
Extra Time Hub: this is for adults aged 55+ and aims to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. This is achieved through a physical activity offer of group walks, allotment access, yoga and strength & balance sessions as well as opportunities for social gatherings at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Match Day Community Support: Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, BWitC will provide wellbeing support, activities and events to BWFC fans on selected matchdays.
Mentoring programme consists of three different projects, which all support vulnerable and high-risk children and young people. We work with children and young people on a 1-2-1 basis to provide emotional, health and wellbeing support, and provide positive role models.
Warm Space is an opportunity for people to switch off their heating for a few hours, and socialise together in a warm, friendly and relaxed environment. Attendees can enjoy free refreshments including hot drinks and snacks, and enjoy the opportunity to socialise with other members of the community.