5 Minutes with Arsenal in the Community | Your Cancer Services

11 October 2023 — david-allen

Arsenal in the Community has been using the power of the Arsenal football club name to positively impact the lives of young people since 1985. The team delivers Health & Wellbeing, Sport, Social and Education programmes to over 5,000 individuals each week.

We caught up with the team to find out more.

Tell us about your organisation?

Arsenal in the Community has been using the power of the Arsenal name to positively impact the lives of young people since 1985. The team delivers Health & Wellbeing, Sport, Social and Education programmes to over 5,000 individuals each week.

What services do you offer people living with cancer?

We run a specific Walking Football Project for Men affected by Prostate Cancer. These sessions, called ‘Stride On: Prostate Cancer Walking Football’ include a social support group element prior to the walking football where Men can come together and socialise as well as hearing from occasional guest speakers that will educate and engage with the group on specific topics.

We also offer several health & wellbeing sessions that, whilst not specifically designed for people living with cancer, are perfectly appropriate for many. Some examples include:

·        Walking Football

·        Shape Up: Men’s Weight Management

·        Strength & Balance (Chair based exercise)

·        Beginner Friendly Exercise Classes

Do you have a target demographic who use your services?

All activities are for adults, but some sessions have specific target audiences.

How are you funded?

Predominantly our projects are funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund, however we also have partnership funding from: Whittington Health NHS Trust, The UCLH Charity Cancer Fun and various other partners.

How have things changed for you since COVID-19?

We have noticed that more older adults have been socially isolated than ever since Covid-19 and many of our activities provide a social element that helps to combat this. This social isolation has also led to a deterioration in overall strength & mobility in many cases, which our Strength & Balance programme can assist with.

What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do?

We get to serve people in our local community and tackle real issues that affect public health.

What would you say to those who are considering getting in touch with you but are nervous or apprehensive?

We have something for almost everyone and all of our sessions are run with a fun and inclusive spirit. If we don’t have something for you, then we are great at connecting people to organisations that do.

Do you have testimonials from people that have used your services?

Yes, we have plenty of case studies available showing how people have benefited from our various projects.

Who works for you?

We have many different members of staff with different skillsets. Within our Health & Wellbeing programme we have Health & Fitness Coaches, Pulmonary Rehab Exercise Specialists, Chair Based Exercise Specialists and Walking Football Coaches. We also have a level 4 Cancer & Exercise specialist.

What are the values of your organisation?

The values of Arsenal Football Club and Arsenal in the Community are:

·        Always move forward

·        Be together

·        Actions that matter