AFC Bournemouth and Dorset HealthCare launch wellbeing campaign

AFC Bournemouth and Dorset HealthCare are joining forces to support the physical and mental health of their social media followers and their families.

The coronavirus outbreak and lockdown has affected everyone’s lives differently, so the team with the football club and the county’s provider of mental health and community physical health services have teamed up to kick-off the month-long ‘Wellbeing: we’re onside’ campaign today (Monday 27 April).

Followers will be able to find and share ideas ranging from keeping active, feeding the family during lockdown, sleeping better and where to find professional help.

Cherries defender and Wales international Chris Mepham will be involved with the project and is delighted to be involved in trying to help with the project during lockdown.

“At such a challenging time, remaining healthy - both mentally and physically - is so important,” Mepham said.

“This initiative between the club's Community Sports Trust and the local NHS will help people across the area do that, and that's why I'm delighted to be supporting it. We’re hoping fans will also share their own ideas and experiences, as part of AFC Bournemouth’s movement for better mental health and wellbeing. Make sure you’re following us on social media to get the best advice.”

Dorset HealthCare is the county’s provider of mental health and community physical health services. Meherzin Das, Professional Lead for Psychology and Psychological Therapies at the Trust, said:

“We live and work in extraordinary times. The stakes have never been higher and COVID-19 has, in unforeseen ways, brought out the best in us all. Coming together as a community, finding creative solutions for daily challenges, supporting ourselves and each other - that’s what this campaign is all about.

"Each weekday, for the coming month, we’ll post ‘Today’s Top Tip’ from our 4 Pillars of Wellbeing. We hope people will post their own stories and pictures to share their experiences ... we are all in this together!”

AFC Bournemouth’s head of community Steve Cuss added:

“We are all extremely grateful for the outstanding work of the NHS and delighted to be partnering with the ‘Wellbeing: we're onside' initiative, providing support for our local community.

"During these unprecedented times our mental and physical wellbeing remain a priority, and I am looking forward to helping share NHS tips and support on maintaining positive and healthy wellbeing.”

Follow AFC Bournemouth on Twitter and Facebook and use #AFCBwellbeing to be part of the ‘Wellbeing: we're on-side' conversation.