Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is creating targeted interventions designed to improve health education and ensure communities are well equipped to make better lifestyle choices.
One of those interventions, FIT Bluebirds, is helping people achieve significant long-term improvements in weight loss, physical activity, diet and psychological wellbeing.
The free to access 12-week programme is split into structured sessions around healthy eating and physical activity which are delivered by qualified personal trainers and coaches. The programme uses peer support and reinforcement to create social bonds that far outlast the 12-weeks.
Stephanie’s story is a powerful example of how this programme makes a real difference. Approaching her 49th birthday, Stephanie was struggling with PTSD and faced significant personal challenges. When she joined the FIT Bluebirds programme, it was a turning point in her life. The 12-week programme not only improved her physical health but also provided her with the mental resilience and sense of belonging she had lost.
“I cannot imagine where I would be now if I hadn’t had the opportunity to do this,” Stephanie reflects. “It just gave me a massive sense of self again and the chance to make changes that have made me feel physically and mentally better. I’ve said many a time, the slogan for the Community Foundation is ‘Our Club Changes Lives’, but for me, FIT Bluebirds saved my life.”
The success of initiatives like FIT Bluebirds is driven by the support of funding providers, delivery partners, and local businesses. These partnerships are vital in tackling the ongoing disparities in health outcomes across communities, the Community Foundation says.
Data from 2022/23 highlights the impact of these health and wellbeing programmes:
- 79% of service users reported an improvement in their physical health.
- 92% experienced positive enhancements in their mental and emotional wellbeing.
- 88% gained a better understanding of the benefits of an active lifestyle.
The Foundation points to these statistics as evidence of the impact that is achievable through targeted health interventions. However, to sustain and expand these efforts, it needs the continued support of the local business community.
Partnering with Cardiff City FC Community Foundation offers businesses the chance to make a real difference on the lives of individuals like Stephanie, it says.
By working with the Foundation, a business can:
- Amplify Health Messages: Use the platform to raise awareness of crucial health issues and promote healthier lifestyles within the community.
- Support Targeted Interventions: Contribute to programmes that address specific health challenges, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the help they need.
- Enhance Employee Wellbeing: Involve staff in volunteering opportunities, adopting a culture of health and wellbeing within the organisation, providing skills-based opportunities for employees to volunteer and engage with their local communities.
Through collaboration, local business support can actively help level the playing field, says the Foundation, by directly supporting its impactful education and community programmes, generating a social impact value of more than £17 million a year.
For more information on how businesses can help support people in their communities, visit: Cardiff City FC Community Foundation | Partner with us
