Bolton Wanderers defender Jack Iredale visited Bolton Wanderers in the Community’s Extra Time Hub session today as the Club and Charity celebrate the EFL Week of Action.
The Extra Time Hub has been running for over three years and strives to tackle loneliness and isolation in adults over 55 years old in Bolton.
The weekly sessions are now delivered from the brand-new Wellbeing Hub at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, which provides an accessible, safe, relaxed, informal, and fun environment for participants to form friendships, take part in activities they enjoy, and catch up over a cup of tea.
Jack Iredale said:
“First time being in the Wellbeing Hub, and straight away you can see how important it is as a space for people to be able to come here and just be around others in a safe environment. It’s massive for their mental health and wellbeing.
“I think what the club is doing with this space is really important and it’s good to see. It was nice to be involved today.”
It is evident from the response of participants that the sessions help raise their levels of physical activity and mental wellbeing, their ability to make new friends and become more socially connected all whilst building their confidence and self-esteem.
Jim, an Extra Time Hub participant said:
“The staff are all fantastic and it just feels like one big, happy family. We have a great time playing an assortment of activities and even if you don’t feel like joining in, you can sit and chat to other members.
"It’s made a great difference to the lives of lots of people who might not have many people to socialize with.”
Extra Time Hub activities can include bingo, quizzes, refreshments, sports day activities, tabletop games such as dominos, arts and crafts, memory games and cards, seated volleyball, curling, stadium tours, walking football and Boccia to name a few.
These activities provide a well-rounded approach towards improving the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of the beneficiaries and have provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge and development of skills such as confidence and self-esteem which they utilise in day-to-day life away from the session.
Participants have formed strong friendship groups and now even plan meet ups outside of the Hub too.
Hayley Ranicar, BWitC Programme Lead (Health & Wellbeing): “
We’re thrilled to have the support of both Bolton Wanderers and players such as Jack. It was wonderful to see him sit down and even take part in the quiz!
“You can see on the faces of participants just what it means to see the football club they love give back to the community.”
For more information on Extra Time Hub or any other wellbeing provisions, please contact Hayley hranicar@bwitc.org.uk