Tom Barrett posted on September 18, 2010 12:54
The Saints Foundation has developed its men’s health project (Health Kicks) and now works with the largest homelessness charity in Southampton; the Society of St. James.
The project aims to support the men’s health agenda in the city which has a focus to; increase physical activity, stop smoking, and raise awareness of sexual health issues.
The Society of St James kicked off their involvement recently by bringing 30 of their local clients to St. Mary’s for a tour of the Stadium followed by a football coaching session.
Society of St. James was selected as the Club’s official local charity partner for its role in working with vulnerable adults and Health Kicks now plans to offer any Society of St. James client free football at a weekly coaching session happening in the nearby Hoglands Park.
As well as offering free health promotion advice with a variety of related workshops planned to be held at the Stadium there will be an opportunity are also looking into putting on a level one in football coaching course for the Society’s clients.
Lisa Gowling a Society of St. James Project Worker in Substance Misuse praised the partnership opportunities between the Saints Foundation and Society of St. James; “The opportunities that Southampton F.C have provided has enabled clients who may lead a difficult and chaotic life a chance to do something positive for themselves on a weekly basis.”
Dan Oliver who took part in the sessions commented, “The football training session was a good laugh, it was good to meet new people and do something different for the day. I really enjoyed myself and I am already looking forward to the next session.”
Staff and service users alike hope to continue the weekly event with Southampton football club for the foreseeable future. The positive impact it has had on the clients involved in such a short period of time shows how important the Health Kicks Programme is.
For further information on the Health Kicks project call the Saints Foundation on 0845 6889370.