Taunton Town FC’s new programme has been set up to support the local community through an engagement program supporting fans, families and the local community in broadening horizons as well as coming to terms with mental health and where to find support.
The first formal event took place on a Saturday “match day” at Taunton Town FC’s ground, the Cygnet Health Care stadium, and all involved created a fun fair feeling. On the day, the team from Cygnet Hospital Taunton had an information stand alongside stands from other organisations including Samaritans, Football Welcomes Refugees, Amnesty UK, Cosmic (Positive People), & Word Gets Around to name just a few. In addition there were developing personal confidence courses, junior mental health awareness training sessions and emotional resilience program workshops for Taunton Town fans their families and the local community to sign up to.
Taunton Town FC’s Community Director, Club Secretary & Community Engagement Project Officer Rob Wenham hailed the event as a huge success and said, “Thank you for your fantastic efforts, support and commitment today at our first Community Engagement Project Partners Match, I thought it was a great success. It proved a fantastic day, full of ‘togetherness’ and some excellent, proactive, positive community engagement with Taunton Town FC’s supporters, club staff, and it’s volunteers which all seemed extremely well received. A million thanks again for your efforts and amazing support today”.
Chairman Kevin Sturmey, Chairman & Chief Executive Taunton Town FC, added, “It was a brilliant day watching fans engage and a 5 -1 win, you will all have to come again.”
Cygnet Health Care’s Active Life Lead, Stuart Hooper, said, “It was great to engage the local community providing insight to the hospital which helped to break down some stereotypes and support our recruitment open day on the following Monday. Our partnership with Taunton Town FC has been so rewarding and our service users have benefitted from behind the scenes stadium tours as well as work opportunities on match days with marshalling, refreshments and carpark duties.”