Overview

AFC Bamber is a community group designed to help all residents of Lancashire who want to improve their mental and physical health through joining in sporting activities. What makes AFC Bamber unique in that it is open and inclusive to all. No matter what shape you are in or what level of fitness you are at, all are welcome. AFC Bamber provide a place to share problems with others experiencing difficulties with mental health and improve physical fitness. We organise informal football games where people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities are welcome. Many other local groups require an entry level of fitness and skill which is off-putting to many people who would benefit most. In addition to sports games, we also offer a social side to the organisation including virtual events for some that cannot always make the face-to-face events. The difference in our community and others like us, is our organisation is run not only by our founders and admin teams but also by our stakeholders ‘advisory boards’ so that our stakeholders can help shape the organisation in the way that suits them providing that it suits all the community. For general information, suicide is the biggest cause of death among men under 35, last year it was recorded that men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women, as we all know a vast majority still believe that it is weak to open up and talk about how they feel and their mental health. We have found that using our organisation that more men are opening up to us and each other than ever before. Therefore, we believe through our use off sports they can finally take that much needed break from work and family life.