This summer, all eyes are on the World Cup!

And while it might be ‘coming home’, back at home, our teams have definitely been ‘on the ball’ at football grounds across the region.

From delivering vaccinations and showing patients how to use the NHS App, to community engagement events held by colleagues implementing new neighbourhood ways of working, we’re ‘tackling’ health inequalities one step at a time!

Across Hull, local partners have ‘kicked-off’ a campaign to raise the profile of mental health among players, staff and supporters.

Collaboration to improve mental health and prevent suicide and self-harm

Sporting foundations, clubs and regional governing bodies representing professional and community sports clubs across Humber and North Yorkshire have come together to raise the profile of mental health among players, staff and supporters in a ground breaking new partnership.

As part of the collective, the clubs’ foundations and their affiliated community groups are being asked to use their in-person and online presence to promote mental health organisations that are local to them among playing and non-playing staff, volunteers and clubs’ supporters and get involved in local events and neighbourhood programmes.

In Calderdale, staff recently ‘laced-up’ and visited a HTAFC game to highlight the importance of people confirming their decision on the NHS Organ Donor register.

“They’ve given me three lives” – Akash and family join CHFT colleagues in raising awareness of organ donation

Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust (CHFT) colleagues, their family members and Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation, Jayne Greenhalgh, recently attended a Huddersfield Town AFC match to highlight the importance to people of confirming their decision on the NHS Organ Donor register.

You can confirm your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register website, or via the NHS App. Please also talk to your family and friends about your decision so they are aware.

Ahead of the match, Huddersfield Town shared a powerful short video (no sound) on the big screens featuring former Town Academy graduate and player Jordan Sinnott. He always carried a donor card with him, and his family were aware of his wishes.

In North East Lincolnshire, the Health and Care Partnership has been working with Grimsby Town Football Club to host blood pressure checks before games.

This began as part of Know Your Numbers Week 2025 and has continued since, under the title No Pressure, Just a Quick Check. 

During one game, fans helped 59 people “know their numbers”.

This work has been shortlisted for the LGC Awards in the Public and Population Health category.

NHS colleagues are also working with Grimsby Town Foundation on future opportunities to engage with Grimsby Town fans.

 

In the North East, local teams have been working with Sunderland AFC, Gateshead FC, Spennymoor Town FC and Darlington FC to deliver health checks at matchday fixtures! Bringing vital healthcare services directly into trusted community settings.

Football fans across the North East got more than just 90 minutes of action this winter, thanks to a successful partnership between local football clubs, community pharmacies and the NHS.

Working alongside Sunderland AFC, Spennymoor Town FC, Darlington FC and Gateshead FC, the North East and North Cumbria ICB supported the delivery of winter health checks at matchday fixtures, bringing vital healthcare services directly into trusted community settings.

Using the ICB’s bespoke Be Wise, Immunise communications toolkits, clubs and local pharmacies promoted flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through familiar and trusted local voices. Alongside vaccinations, supporters were able to access blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, smoking cessation advice and wider wellbeing support — all without needing an appointment.

The initiative proved hugely popular with fans and stadium staff alike, with many supporters praising the convenience and accessibility of receiving healthcare support in a relaxed and informal environment.

Also in the North East, teams from North East and North Cumbria ICB have been visiting The Beacon of Light, Stadium Park to provide friendly drop-in sessions to help people with using the NHS App.

SAFC’s Foundation of Light joins forces with NHS to help patients

People in Sunderland will have easier access to NHS services thanks to an exciting new partnership between North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Sunderland AFC’s charity, the Foundation of Light.

The new link-up will see the Foundation promoting the benefits of the NHS App to supporters, learners and local residents, so people can access vital healthcare services more easily. This partnership was established by North of England Care System Support (NECS), as part of its work to support GP practices in the region with new digital initiatives.

The NHS App offers a simple, secure way for users to manage their healthcare, providing access to GP records, repeat prescriptions, booking appointments, messaging with healthcare providers and hospital services.