Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing visits FIT Bluebirds

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation welcomed Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Lynne Neagle MS to Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday 4th April to hear more from our FIT Bluebirds participants on the impact that the project has had on their lifestyle.

The Deputy Minister heard more from members of both our male and female cohort on the benefits that the FIT Bluebirds initiative has provided both physically and mentally - as well as observing both the practical and theoretical element of the project.

FIT Bluebirds is a collaboration between the Football Association of Wales and the English Football League Trust (EFL Trust), supported by funding from the Welsh Government’s ‘Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales’ programme.

About 1.5 million adults in Wales are overweight or obese, with higher levels in the most deprived areas. The new programme is part of Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales, the Welsh Government’s long-term strategy to prevent and reduce obesity in Wales.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister said:

“Being a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancers.

“If we want to reduce obesity, we need to use innovative ways to encourage more people to get fit and develop healthier lifestyles. The FIT Bluebirds programme is a great way to help football fans improve their health at their local club.”

Foundation Director, Gavin Hawkey said:

“Football clubs are at the heart of their communities. At Cardiff City FC we harness the power of the club to change lives. We’re delighted to collaborate with partners to deliver this innovative project which will inspire healthier lifestyles and improve wellbeing in our communities.”

You can sign up for the next cohort of FIT Bluebirds (beginning w/c 22nd May 2023) by filling out the form below.