National League football team Bromley has joined forces with Rotary to promote a community initiative among its supporters.
Several Rotary clubs in the London Borough of Bromley have linked up to become a project partner with the Community Sports Trust, specifically for Bromley Football Club’s Ravens Chat programme.
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Ravens Chat is a community initiative which aims to counter loneliness and provide a link to those over the age of 50.
Every Thursday, this friendly and informal group meets at Bromley Football Club for chats and coffee mornings with guest speakers, quizzes, as well as meeting players and staff from the team.
Assistant District Governor for Rotary in Bromley, Christine Atkinson, said she was keen to create the link because it addresses a crucial issue around mental health.
We need to develop a platform to help those recognise or spot the signs that a family member or colleague needs help. The opportunity to work with the Bromley Football Club Community Sports Trust could not be a better fit.”
She said: “Having seen the difference Ravens Chat makes to so many who suffered from loneliness and mental health difficulties, particularly following lockdown, I am delighted that six of the Bromley Rotary Clubs have been given the opportunity to sponsor such an initiative.
“Our District Governor Elect for South East England, Ray Seager, has just returned from Rotary International Training in Orlando and came back advising us that his theme for the year will be focusing on loneliness and mental health so the timing couldn’t be better.
“We are very excited for Bromley Rotarians to be part of this partnership as the synergy between us will offer many opportunities to combat loneliness.”
Ray Seager agreed that mental health was a key issue which Rotary clubs could focus on at a community level.
He explained: “Many of us are affected directly and indirectly with those experiencing loneliness and mental health issues.
“We need to develop a platform to help those recognise or spot the signs that a family member or colleague needs help. The opportunity to work with the Bromley Football Club Community Sports Trust could not be a better fit.”
Head of Community at Bromley Football Club, Matt Hall, was equally delighted.
He added: “I had the pleasure of meeting Christine towards the end of last year, and it was very clear she shared our passion for the Ravens Chat project, and the values of both our organisations were very much aligned.
“Christine’s passion and drive, coupled with our reach, means we will be able to work on some exciting initiatives together, and continue to strive towards reducing loneliness and social isolation in Bromley.
“We would like to extend our thanks to Rotary in Bromley, Chislehurst, Orpington, Orpington (Crofton), Ravensbourne and West Wickham for their commitment and contributions towards making this partnership possible.”
