The first club of its kind has been launched to get people moving in South Tyneside.

A new walking football class is the only one set up for people with long-term health conditions in the borough.

People who have respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma, cardiac conditions and diabetes are being invited to join in.

But the events are open to anyone – men and women – who want to join in, helping boost their health and improve mobility.

It also gives people a chance to meet up with others and make new friends.

The idea backs the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, as it is not only based out in the community but supports its aim to prevent ill health.

The session has been set up by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) and is being run and funded by the Foundation of Light.

It is hosted at Temple Park Centre in South Shields.

While other clubs have been running for some time across the North East, the walking football meet up is thought to be the only one of its kind in the borough for those with long-term health conditions.

The idea backs the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, as it is not only based out in the community but supports its aim to prevent ill health.
The session has been set up by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) and is being run and funded by the Foundation of Light.
It is hosted at Temple Park Centre in South Shields. — Pic credit: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT)

Simone Rowlands is Project Lead for Cardiac Rehab at STSFT.

Her team has invited around 12 patients to take part, knowing it will help their wellbeing.

A total of 25 people can get involved in the match, which lasts around an hour, with time built in so people can have a quick breather and a drink if they need it.

Simone said: “We have wanted to do this for some time in South Tyneside and we are delighted the Foundation of Light has worked with us to run it.

“We both share a passion to improve health and help get people more active, so I want to take this chance to thank the Foundation for teaming up to get this going.

“As a Trust, we already run classes to help our patients who have had cardiac or have respiratory conditions. This supports their recovery and rehabilitation.

“But these sessions are also for those who want to get up out of their chair and get moving a bit more.

“It’s at a low level, so they don’t need to worry about not being fast or that it will be too difficult for them.

“Come along, give it a go, see what it’s like and we know they’ll have a good time.

“Our team is also getting involved whenever we can. We know our patients like it when we join in and it gives us the chance to catch up with them, see how they’re doing and offer them any advice or support they need.”

“We both share a passion to improve health and help get people more active, so I want to take this chance to thank the Foundation for teaming up to get this going.
“As a Trust, we already run classes to help our patients who have had cardiac or have respiratory conditions. This supports their recovery and rehabilitation."

Jade Gilbertson is Foundation of Light Health and Wellbeing Manager.

She said: “Football has a real power to bring people together, and these sessions are a great example of how the game can be adapted to help people become more active in a way that feels comfortable, enjoyable and accessible.

“We’re really pleased to be working with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust to provide an opportunity specifically designed around the needs of people living with long-term health conditions.

“It’s not just about the physical benefits either. As we’ve already seen, the sessions give people the chance to have fun, build confidence and connect with others who may have had similar experiences.

“We want people to feel that being active is something they can enjoy, whatever their age, ability or circumstances, and hopefully this will encourage more people across South Tyneside to come along and give walking football a try.”

The session costs £2 to join in. Anyone travelling to the centre by car is reminded new parking charges have been introduced at Temple Park Centre.

Anyone who would like to find out more can call the Cardiac Rehab Team on (0191) 404 1274.

FULL STORY at source: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/latest-news/our-latest-stories/get-moving-goal-new-walking-football-session