The Aston Villa Foundation's TeamWork project aims to bring Villa fans and the wider community together to help improve their mental and physical health.
The TeamWork project facilitates activities and challenges including walking, cycling and running groups - working alongside existing fan-led initiatives such as the Villa Running Club - to encourage fitness and wellbeing activities.
TeamWork also offers a number of safe space sessions to ensure all participants feel included and welcome.
The 'Be You' sessions at Villa Park offer a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to enjoy a fun, social kickabout! There is also the opportunity to connect with others, improve your fitness and enjoy music and giveaways.
Lena participated in the session, and said: “I really enjoyed the Be You TeamWork session I went to, not only was it really enjoyable and everyone was super nice but it was a safe space to just hang out.
“It was great to chat with open-minded individuals away from the usual stress of life. I’m grateful Villa are providing groups like these as it has really helped boost my physical and mental wellbeing all in one!”
The ongoing sessions are supported by Villa & Proud and Birmingham Mind.
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Founder of Villa & Proud, Samuel Timms, said: “LGBTQ+ people are disproportionately affected by poor mental health, isolation, homelessness and suicide.
“The work the Foundation have done with mental health & wellbeing and with Villa & Proud has been very encouraging. We would urge anyone to get involved in TeamWork because it’s valuable for everyone.
“At Villa & Proud, we continually work to bring people together, through online socials and in-person meet ups to encourage people to work towards positive mental health.
“It’s so easy to feel isolated and alone when you don’t think anyone feels or has experienced similar feelings, we want people to know they are not alone, and we are welcoming, friendly and always inclusive!”
The Be You sessions and ongoing engagement at Birmingham Pride have also been supported by official 2021/22 official kit supplier Kappa, official retail partner Fanatics and lead partner Cazoo through sales of our special edition Part of the Pride range.
A donation was also made to Birmingham LGBT, the city's leading charity advocating for and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in Birmingham and beyond.
For more information or to register for TeamWork sessions, please email teamwork@avfc.co.uk.
