Story added: 10th February 2023
As part of the English Football League’s (EFL) official charity partnership with the British Red Cross, Norwich City took part in a new ticketing scheme for members of the community in a bid to help those facing loneliness and isolation.
The scheme will bring people together with other local fans to enjoy the nation’s favourite game to help reduce feelings of isolation that people may be experiencing and encourage new friendships and connections.
It comes at a time when most people (86%) living in the East of England believe loneliness is a problem in England, according to new research by the British Red Cross.
The new findings released by the charity today show over 1 in 3 (35%) of people in the East of England are experiencing loneliness and almost two thirds (65%) feel it’s a bigger problem now than last year.
Over three quarters (76%) worry that the cost of living is pushing more people into loneliness forcing a third (33%) of people in the region to restrict how much they socialise this winter. At Christmas, nearly half of the people surveyed from the East of England (44%) cut back on socialising in pubs, restaurants and clubs due to financial concerns and 26% cut back on travelling to see family and friends.
Father of three, Gary Payne, and his wife Kerry are full time carers to their 11-year-old daughter Hollie who is autistic, has sensory processing disorder and anxiety. Hollie also has a condition which causes her to walk on tiptoes and means she’s unable to be on her feet for long periods.
On Saturday Gary attended the new ticketing initiative with his 12-year-old daughter Ruby, who also cares for her younger sister, he said:
“Even though we lost the game, it was great for me and Ruby to spend some quality time together and have a break from being carers – especially for Ruby.
“Caring for a member of your family can take its toll sometimes. Me and my wife never go out together on our own because we can’t leave Hollie with anyone, just in case she needs us.
“Even with the best laid plans, family outings often get cancelled because Hollie will wake up one morning and decide she doesn’t want to go out and then we are forced to cancel. And although Hollie goes to school, some days she can only manage half an hour and others she’ll last a couple of hours, so it’s very hard for us to make plans. We have to take life one day at a time.
“Having that dedicated time with Ruby was really special. As well as getting to watch the game, Ruby got the chance to have a kick about at the ground. It felt fantastic watching her playing football with the other young people and taking part in all the activities from the day.
“I’m hoping to get Ruby and Hollie back along to the club to take part in some of the community football training and youth clubs they run, as it would do them both the world of good.”
Community and Wellbeing Project Manager for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, Jo Woolnough stated:
“Our first ticketing initiative has been a great success. We had 20 people visit the club, as part of a EFL and Red Cross partnership to help combat loneliness.
“We met before the game over at Carrow Park and played some five-a-side football before getting some hot food in before kick-off. After full time we went back to Carrow Park to chat about what this experience meant to the participants, one refugee told me that although his English isn’t very good, it doesn’t matter because football speaks all languages.
“The following Tuesday we took them on a stadium tour, they went behind the scenes and had the best time.
“Everyone involved are delighted with the outcome and had a great experience all round.”
Lisa Somerville, Mobility Aids Service Manager from the British Red Cross, an organisation that already supports over 100,000 people experiencing loneliness per year through its services across the country, said:
“Loneliness can have a huge impact on people’s health and wellbeing and is known to be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
“The incidence of loneliness skyrocketed during the pandemic, as a result of people being cut off from their family and friends. Now the increased cost of living is forcing many to cut back and sacrifice on socialising, making people more at risk of becoming lonely and isolated.
“We know health and mobility issues can lead to increased social isolation and this ticketing initiative will provide a vital lifeline for people who may be struggling and feel desperately alone.”
The British Red Cross is the EFL’s Official Charity Partner and will be combining their efforts to reduce isolation in communities around the country via the EFL and its 72 clubs.
Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said:
“Through our partnership with the British Red Cross, we are using the unique appeal and reach of our Clubs to help reduce isolation and loneliness. Initiatives like the ticketing pilot launched today at Norwich City have the ability to bring people together, to build connections within communities, and allow people to unite through the power of football.”
For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers across 192 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis.
Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk
The EFL (English Football League) is the world’s original league football competition. It is the largest single body of professional clubs in European football and is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy, as well as reserve and youth football. The EFL, EFL Trust and our member clubs are at the heart of communities across the country, providing shared experiences for all and using the power of sport to improve lives.
We use the power of sport to support and inspire our community. Our charitable objectives are driving inclusion for people with disabilities, boosting mental health and wellbeing, and supporting disadvantaged people to raise their aspirations.
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When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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