For over five years the Club and Foundation have worked together to introduce initiatives to tackle loneliness and isolation in our local community.
Over 15,500 people over 65 live alone in our region and research has shown that 10% of over 65’s say they are lonely most or all of the time. Loneliness can cause further mental health issues and reduces life expectancy by 26%. When considering that people of all ages and backgrounds can feel lonely and isolated at any time in their life there are thousands of people locally that would benefit from support.
Through the Hawthorns Hub and Baggies Buddies programmes we offer free support to those in the local community who suffering from these issues.
Hawthorns Hub
The Hawthorns Hub meet once a week on a Wednesday from 12 noon – 3.30pm at The Hawthorns, excluding home matchdays.
Anyone is welcome to join us at The Hawthorns Hub for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. You don’t have to be a Baggies fan – or even like football – if you want some company or just an excuse to get out of the house come along and join us.
Sometimes we welcome special guests such as former players or club staff providing insight to life behind the scenes at a football club.
If you’d like more information, or to let us know you’re coming along email buddies@albionfoundation.co.uk. You can just turn up on the day if you prefer, booking isn’t essential.
If you can’t make the Hub in person, you can join us for a Virtual Hub meeting which take place over Zoom every Monday and Thursday evening from 6pm – 7.30pm.
Directions to the Hawthorns Hub
Baggies Buddies
Buddies are a group of West Bromwich Albion supporters who are available to accompany people to matchdays, particularly those feeling lonely or isolated and feel that football could help them.
Buddies will accompany anyone wishing to come along to a game but for whatever reason do not feel fully comfortable doing so.
Whether you’ve got no one to attend with or you’re bringing the family for the first time and would like someone to show you the ropes, Buddies are available to make your matchday experience even better.
Your Buddy will be available to meet from two hours before kick off or you can just request their company to watch the match.
Buddies tickets are exclusively priced at £10, to book your ticket and request a Buddy email buddies@albionfoundation.co.uk.
Premier League 2 games
If the thought of a first-team match and a big crowd is too much for you right now then you can enjoy a quieter matchday experience and come to support Albion's PL2 team when they play at The Hawthorns. A Baggies Buddy will be available to meet you pre-match and join you for the game.
To find out more about upcoming games email Buddies@albionfoundation.co.uk
Stadium Tour
For anyone who doesn’t feel like a matchday is for them then you can come and enjoy a special Buddies tour.
Take a look behind the scenes at the stadium with our experienced tour guide, Baggies Buddies and a small group of people.
You’ll learn about the Club’s history and familiarise yourself with the stadium - useful if you decide you may like to join us for a match one day!
Tickets cost £10, contact Buddies@albionfoundation.co.uk to find out when our next Buddies tour takes place.