EFL AND BRITISH RED CROSS JOIN FORCES

The English Football League (EFL) and the humanitarian charity British Red Cross have agreed a new partnership that will use football to support those experiencing loneliness in England and Wales.

From the start of the 2022/23 season, the British Red Cross will become the EFL’s oficial charity partner with both organisations combining efforts to reduce isolation in communities around the country via the EFL and its 72 clubs.

The British Red Cross’ works with over 100,000 people experiencing loneliness per year through dedicated services across the UK. This ranges from helping isolated elderly people to supporting refugees who arrive with nothing.

Meanwhile the EFL and its network of clubs supported tens of thousands of people during the pandemic who were experiencing loneliness with an award-winning Tackling Loneliness Together programme and innovative Extra Time Hubs. By pooling resources through this partnership, the aim will be to offer more support to those in need using the popularity of the national game and power of club badges to bring people closer together

EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said, “Club allegiances and a love of the game offer a sense of belonging to millions in this country and we believe that partnering with the British Red Cross will help us bring more people together through the medium of football.

“The EFL and its clubs already deliver life changing work through its community network and with eight in ten people in the UK living within 15 miles of an EFL club, collaborating with an internationally renowned organisation such as British Red Cross will help elevate the services that organisations offer to people up and down the country.”

Paul Amadi, Chief Supporter Officer, British Red Cross added, “We all know football has the power to bring people together and we can’t wait to join forces with the English Football League to tackle the issue of loneliness together.

“The pandemic has exacerbated loneliness and has left people feeling more isolated than ever before. Lockdown only amplified this deep-rooted problem with millions of people left feeling cut from the world they once knew. Although social distancing and other restrictions continue to be eased, loneliness remains. Together we can help bring an end to the stigma of loneliness and connect people who are left feeling alone.”

The partnership follows the announcement that the EFL’s four-year partnership with mental health charity Mind will be coming to an end.

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