Foundation supports World Mental Health Day

Health organisation team up with local football charity to get Doncaster healthy.

Two local organisations have joined forces to promote health messages to communities across Doncaster in a bid to improve health and wellbeing.

NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Club Doncaster Foundation have partnered to share health messages across the Doncaster area to help more people understand the importance of sport and physical activity on their health and emotional wellbeing.

This month’s focus is set to raise awareness of mental health, the services available in Doncaster, specifically the Fit Rovers programme which has inspired and transformed the lives of hundreds of people in Doncaster. 

Jackie Pederson, chief officer at NHS Doncaster CCG, said: “I am delighted that we have partnered with Club Doncaster Foundation to help improve the lives of people in Doncaster.

“We know that the Fit Rovers programme has already had a huge impact on hundreds of people - not only improving their emotional health and wellbeing, but also their physical health. 

“The connection with sport and activity is important and will help deliver several ambitions set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, as well as our local joint health and social care commissioning strategy, launched earlier this year.”

The NHS shares public messages throughout the year across various areas of health and care including winter self-care advice and where to access the most appropriate care for your needs.

Club Doncaster Foundation works alongside Doncaster Rovers FC, Doncaster Rugby League and Doncaster Rovers Belles to bring professional sport into the local community.

Over the years the foundation has become an integral part of Doncaster’s social and educational structure and it’s hoped that by linking up with the organisation, more people can learn more about local NHS services, self-care and wellbeing.

John Davis, chief operating officer at Club Doncaster Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to continue to work with NHS Doncaster CCG. We have seen the unique reach and engagement that we can provide to life changing health campaigns across Doncaster and it is our mission to build upon this vital work.”

“Mental health is of vital importance to our overall wellbeing and World Mental Health day gives us a great platform to support people to reach out and access the help they require.

“We’ve seen a significant number of Fit Rovers participants attributing their positive lifestyle changes to increasing their physical activity levels and we aspire to provide inclusive environments for participants to thrive in.”

For more information about World Mental Health Day and the free ZSA Prevention Training please visit https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com