Hartlepool United are pleased to announce the start of a new project called Pools 4 Life. This project is completely run by volunteers and headed up by club Chaplain Chris Stuttard.
Pools 4 life will work in collaboration with the Hartlepool United Community Sports foundation, local charities and business to highlight the great work that is going on in Hartlepool and surrounding areas to help people in need. It will also work on existing projects with them to help and develop where it can. Pools 4 life will work with other organisations to create new projects in cases where gaps are found. Pools 4 life is keen to network with the many organisations doing great work across our town, and to aid if possible more collaborative working.
We will have a strong focus on mental health, with the good work being done by the club and community foundation already. We will look to grow our work in partnership with local organisations. With Andy’s Man Club already being hosted at the club 7-9 every monday, this has become a key foundation in our work in men's mental health. One key already established example of this partnership is with Wellness Walks with a New Perspective. Through our partnership, we have seen many of the gents who go to Andy’s Man Club go on the walks and visa versa, with several gents taking volunteer roles and doing training to lead walks etc. You hopefully may have seen one of the bright orange posters around the grounds in the toilets etc to show that there are many organisations within Hartlepool looking to help and support people struggling with mental health issues and where to go on particular days. This has been done with the help of Lillyannes Cafe who have put together the poster, website, and qr code, enabling people to find help when they most need it easier.
As already mentioned we run the Andy’s Man Club which runs on a Monday night 7-9. This is a confidential no pressure space where men 18+ can come and listen and share in a safe space about what's going on in their lives, and meet others going through similar situations. We meet in the Suit Direct lounge, which is open from 6:30pm. There is free tea, coffee, and biscuits, and no expectations for you to say anything.
We offer a listening service for people who would like to talk to someone in a confidential space, we can signpost people to other great services available if appropriate.
We have already worked with Hart Of Our Club 1908 to help with their Easter egg giveaway and Christmas parties. We are keen to work with any supporters group to help with community projects.
We have an event coming up on the 15th of April in collaboration with Hartlepool Reloved clothing who give out clothes for free for those in need. We are running a Prom dress and Suit event in the Centenary Lounge 12-3, for those who are struggling to get the outfit for prom with rising cost of living. If you have any prom dresses or suits you would like to donate, Hartlepool Reloved Clothing is open Tuesday and Thursday 10-2 at Green bank on Waldon Street. If these times don’t work for you, 07891013715, New_perspectives@outlook.com.
We are always looking to increase the work that we do in this and every area, and if we can help with a existing project, or a new idea you have please get in touch. If you're a business and looking to network with other organisations or charities to help and support people in Hartlepool and beyond, or are looking to support us in the work we do, then please get in touch. Pools4life@hartlpoolunited.co.uk