Foundation launches new health trailer
The Liverpool FC Foundation has developed a new element to one of its flagship initiatives, the nationally recognised men's health programme run in partnership with the Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group.
Using the power of the LFC badge, and by taking the project into places such as pubs and betting shops, the programme has helped thousands of men in the city make positive changes to their lives.
This concept of bringing health advice to men around the city has now gone one step further.
The Foundation has launched an 'LFC Men's Health Trailer', which visits busy community venues across the city with the aim of bringing health advice to people going about their everyday lives.
Supermarket car parks, community centres and retail parks are some of the locations where experienced LFC health trainers can provide simple, but potentially life-saving advice.
The initiative was first rolled out in June this year and has engaged with more than 700 men, who have been advised on: various ways to lead a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy, balanced diet; problems that occur from smoking; excessive alcohol consumption; lack of physical activity; looking after your mental wellbeing.
Christine Mounsey, Liverpool FC Foundation health and wellbeing co-ordinator, said: "Our established men's health programme has already helped to improve thousands of lives through some great initiatives such as a cycling club, exercise classes, cookery courses, and even comedy workshops to help mental wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem.
"The men's health trailer is another unique and fantastic addition to our programme. We have seen hundreds of people so far and received some great feedback from Reds and Blues across the city.
"We look forward to welcoming more men for some simple but essential advice throughout the rest of the summer."
The trailer has visited six locations to date, with more than 14 others to visit before the end of the summer. One person who has certainly benefited from the advice is Derek Croft, who was shopping when he noticed the LFC badge.
"I definitely didn't expect to see an LFC trailer in Tesco car park giving advice on healthy lifestyles," he commented.
"Men are often too stubborn to go to the doctor, so bringing the advice to men in their everyday life is a great idea.
"I learned a lot from speaking to the health trainers and came away with a really useful booklet which made me go to the doctor, where I found out I had slightly high blood pressure. I hope more people benefit from this great scheme like I did."
To find out more regarding the work of the Liverpool FC Foundation, visit the dedicated website or follow @LFCFoundation on Twitter.