AFC Bournemouth
QuinnBet, AFC Bournemouth official back of shirt partner, is supporting the club’s Community Sports Trust to deliver its Sport and Social programme.
The initiative hosts twice-weekly sessions for adults who are experiencing mental health concerns, and the club works directly with Dorset Mental Health Forum who provide direct referrals to the programme.
Funding for the programme is being provided by Quinnbet, who do not have any direct marketing association with the project.
The project gives people the opportunity to socialise while also promoting the benefits of physical exercise in improving mental health. Members of staff from the Dorset Mental Health Forum are also available at each session to give further support.
QuinnBet will be donating match tickets to the Trust for every Cherries home match which will be distributed among Sport and Social programme participants – giving many of them the chance to see the first team in action for the first time.
There will also be opportunities for participants to win signed merchandise offered across select sessions by QuinnBet.
Stephen Kelly, managing director QuinnBet said: “We are honoured to be funding AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust, and playing our part in promoting mental health awareness. This partnership allows us to display our passion for projects based on health and wellbeing.
“One in four people across the UK experience a mental health problem of some kind each year and so it is very important that supports are there for people and stigmas removed.
“We believe AFC Bournemouth’s Sport and Social programme is a fantastic initiative aimed at supporting adults who are experiencing mental health concerns, we are delighted to be associated with the Cherries and the important work of the Trust.”
The Sport and Social programme and network have already supported participants to secure jobs and make steps in their life in the right direction, with between 12 and 30 participants joining the sessions every week.
Steve Cuss, Head of the Community Sports Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to have QuinnBet funding our Sport and Social programme as we continue to support individuals with mental health concerns.
“Football is such a great way for people to get together, meet new people and exercise in an enjoyable environment, so we love putting the sessions on and giving practical assistance to the people that come and enjoy being involved.”
