Rochdale AFC Community Trust and HMR Circle have joined forces to launch an expanded programme of activities for over 50s in the Borough.
Centre Circle, which is a new programme, will offer people the chance to take part in low level physical activity sessions and social activities, adding to the extensive offer already provided by Circle utilising the expertise of the football clubs official charity.
"I am really looking forward to working with Circle on this project," said Ryan Bradley from the Rochdale AFC Community Trust.
"Our 2021 strategy sets out our plans and vision for growth, and these were shared by Circle. By pooling resources and co-designing projects with participants we can each play to all our strengths and ultimately provide a better return on investment and a bigger impact for our participants and hopefully reduce the health inequalities brought into sharp focus by the pandemic."
Mark Wynn from HMR Circle commented: "The pandemic has highlighted the need for more cooperative working across organisations and we are excited about the partnership with the Rochdale AFC Community Trust. Using the cut through in the local community the association with the football club's official charity can bring, added to HMR Circles award winning innovations and methodologies, we believe will provide a winning formula."
The first Centre Circle session will be at the Crown Oil Arena, starting on Thursday 21st April. Activities will be fun, aimed at beginners and will include bowls, t-ball (adapted rounders), walking football and other light/moderate activities, as well as a cup of tea and a biscuit!
The partnership will see both parties invest into a new post to grow the Centre Circle programme and coordinate the over 50’s offer for both organisations.
"Its been a great week for our over 50s programme. The National Lottery funding and the investment from HMR Circle will add to our Walking Football and Dale Silver 60s programmes," added Bradley.
"As a group, the over 50s are very diverse and we need to tailor our offer to cater for those who need our support. This might be low level activity and social sessions, but we also have other issues to deal with, such as over 50s who are looking to retrain and find a new job following the pandemic or those who want to be more active.
"I am looking forward to working with Mark and everyone at Circle to ensure that we support more people than ever".
Centre Circle joins Dale Silver 60s and Walking Football as sessions that fall under Rochdale AFC Community Trust’s ‘Extra Time’ over 50s’ programme. To find out how you can get involved, as a delivery partner or participant, please email charlotte.griffiths@rochdaleafc.co.uk or visit rochdaleafccommunity.org
Heywood, Middelton and Rochdale Circle support over 50s in the Borough through various programmes such as Dinner Drivers, Tea & Talk social sessions, day trips, HMR Circle Digital Support Service and Volunteer Driver Scheme.
For more information visit hmrcircle.org or email hello@hmrcircle.org.uk