The Staying Connected Programme was launched as Tackling Loneliness Together during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, funded by a grant from the Department of Media, Culture and Sport via the EFL.

The aim of the project was to contact people who are at high risk of loneliness and isolation caused by the lockdown and COVID-19 prevention measures.

The project began with the STFC Community Foundation contacting 600 STFC season ticket holders aged 70 and above, sending them a Foundation Face Cover, and checking how they were doing, gently finding out whether they needed support, or whether they would appreciate being contacted again via phone or Zoom, or a socially distanced in-person visit.

Since the project began, we have been able to visit a number of the participants with the EFL League Two trophy; we’ve hosted regular Zoom chats featuring former STFC players such as Paul Caddis, Anthony Grant, and more; and we delivered over 100 Christmas food and gift hampers with the support of the STFC Supporters Trust.

The DCMS and EFL funding of the programme expired in the Spring of 2021, which is when Catalent — a leading development and manufacturing partner to the biopharmaceutical industry with multiple facilities in the U.K., including Swindon — became the official sponsor of the programme — renamed Staying Connected.

The group partakes in weekly meet-ups at Foundation Park, for the chance to meet socially, talk about football, take part in activities, hear presentations and Q+A sessions from special guests, as well as take part in light exercise. This weekly session allows the participants to make new friendships, share experiences and feel part of a new special group, with the aim of improving the participants’ mental and physical health. 

“Catalent is proud to be partnering with the STFC Community Foundation on such a hugely important and impactful initiative. We understand the importance of good mental health and well-being, particularly during difficult times

​“The Foundation does fantastic and valuable work, and we are honoured to be able to support and partner where possible”.

James Hamilton, HR Director, Catalent Swindon