Kick off for football project aiming to 'bridge the blues'
Kick off for football project aiming to 'bridge the blues'
16 August 2022
We've teamed up with Chelsea Football Club Foundation to kick off the 'Bridging the Blues' project, which will promote the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating and mental wellbeing.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Premier League club's charitable arm will work together to launch the project later this year. The first 'Bridging the Blues' programme will focus on patients who have experienced a minor stroke, educating them about their risk factors and the steps they can take to lead a healthier lifestyle while participating in group exercise classes.
"We hope the Bridging the Blues project will help us build on the natural relationship between sport and healthy lifestyles"
Emma Hill, Population Health Project Manager
It's hoped the programme can be expanded and adapted to support people in the community living with other health conditions, such as dementia, cardiac and pulmonary disease.
Over a 12-week programme, Chelsea Football Club Foundation will deliver the physical activity and lifestyle change sessions at the club's Stamford Bridge stadium. Meanwhile, health professionals from Imperial College Healthcare will provide additional educational support around medication and risk factors.
Emma Hill is leading the project on behalf of the two organisations - and we're proud to be supporting this important work by funding Emma's post for one year, giving her the time and resources to develop new health and wellbeing initiatives for people across north west London.
"We hope the Bridging the Blues project will help us build on the natural relationship between sport and healthy lifestyles, equipping people with the knowledge to make positive choices for their long-term health and wellbeing," said Emma. "The programme is a true partnership approach between Imperial College Healthcare and Chelsea Football Club Foundation, and I'm extremely grateful to Imperial Health Charity for providing the initial funding to help us kick off this exciting new project."
