As a result of the positive relationships that Blackpool FC Community Trust made through our Tackling Loneliness Together programme, we were in a good position when we started our new referral-based programme, ‘Pool Together’ in January, thanks to funding from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust.
Age UK had been in touch with us to discuss a potential referral who had previously served in the armed forces and wanted to engage in social activity with like-minded people in her community. The referral for JD was received on the 25th January 2021 and after our introductory phone call we established that JD would be most suited for our Armed Forces Online Coffee Morning (this session is now held face to face, find out more information here.
The following week JD attended our Armed Forces Online Coffee Morning social group and thought it was wonderful. She mentioned “It was just what I needed. To be able to socialise with like-minded individuals again. My husband and I haven’t had any social interaction for a few months, so it was great to experience a bit of normality.”
During a follow-up call with JD, she mentioned that her husband, PD suffers from dementia and was looking to join an online social group too. We recognised that our Sporting Memories social group would be the most suitable for PD, we discussed this with the couple and he then attended this session later that week.
A further call was carried out 4 weeks later with JD who told us, “PD is loving the sporting memories sessions and it is enabling me to give him more freedom and have a rest. PD is extremely excited to attend the sessions once they return to Bloomfield Road, he can’t wait to meet everyone face-to-face.” PD has enjoyed the sessions that much he is now taking part in our Extra Time social groups too.
If you’d like to get involved in any of the programmes mentioned contact us via email: info@bfcct.co.uk or call us on 01253 348691.
