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Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Healthy Horizon Hubs are transforming lives, bringing people together through fitness, social interaction, and personal development.

Delivering under the Community Trust’s Health & Wellbeing pillar and thanks to funding from the Premier League Charitable Fund and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), this programme is empowering individuals like Daniel to reclaim their health, confidence, and sense of belonging.

For Daniel, this support has made all the difference. The programme’s resources and dedicated staff have provided him with the tools to improve his physical and mental health, develop new skills, and set personal goals.

When Daniel first joined the Healthy Horizon Hubs, he was seeking more than just a way to stay active—he needed a way to reclaim his physical health and confidence.

“I was in a shell before, knowing these sessions were here but not realising the variety of activities available,” he explains.

“Coming out and enjoying activities like table tennis, which I really enjoy, has really helped me.”

Since joining, Daniel has noticed significant improvements in his physical strength and energy levels. “I’ve gotten my core skills back up to a good standard, and that’s been helped by the exercises here and learning different sports.”

“The exercises we’ve been doing have really strengthened my core and helped me better understand how far I can push myself.”

For Daniel, the benefits of the Healthy Horizon Hub extend far beyond physical health. “It feels like I’m a different person,” he says. “I suffer with anxiety and don’t deal well with large groups, but because the numbers here are manageable, I haven’t felt the need to hide myself.”

One moment that stood out for Daniel was during a board game session. “When we all started playing Uno, people’s personalities came out, including mine,” he shares. “I’ve struggled with being alone, but being around people here has boosted my confidence and helped me get through the day.”

The supportive atmosphere of the sessions has given Daniel a sense of belonging. “Just not being by myself, being in a safe environment with others, has helped me manage my anxiety and stress.”

One of the most inspiring aspects of the sessions for Daniel has been meeting new people and enjoying the variety of activities on offer.

With encouragement from staff members Ian and Nigel, Daniel has set a personal goal of starting his own small community group. “They’ve helped me understand more about organisational skills, and my goal this year is to develop those skills and set up my own group.”

The sessions have also motivated Daniel to make healthier choices and stay active. “This programme has given me the push I needed to keep moving forward.”

In addition to physical and mental benefits, the programme has been an opportunity for Daniel to develop new skills and knowledge. “Communication skills have been key,” he notes. “I’ve also learned more about how to get energy through vitamins and food, which has been really helpful.”

The variety of activities has introduced Daniel to new ways to stay active and take care of himself, from going on walks to trying out different sports.

Since joining the Healthy Horizon Hub, Daniel has noticed a remarkable improvement in his confidence and self-esteem. “I bounce off other people, and it’s been nice to connect with others on a similar level,” he says.

A specific moment that made Daniel proud was simply being able to get out and socialise. “It’s something I struggled with before, but now I feel more comfortable interacting with others and taking part in group activities.”  

Reflecting on what motivated him to join, Daniel says, “I was in a bad headspace, letting my body and mind get into a bad place. I wasn’t a very sociable person, and I needed a group where I could be myself and connect.”

For Daniel, being part of the Healthy Horizon Hub means having a place where he feels accepted and supported. “It’s helped with my anxiety and depression. It’s a space where I don’t feel judged and can just laugh with people.”

When asked if he would recommend the sessions to others, his answer is a resounding yes. “Absolutely. It’s been life changing.”

Nigel Plant, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said. “Daniel’s journey has been incredible to witness.”

“He came to us at a difficult point in his life, but his commitment to improving himself and engaging with others has been inspiring.”

“Watching him grow in confidence and set his own personal goals has been a real highlight for us as a team.”

Through programmes like the Healthy Horizon Hub, Nottingham Forest Community Trust continues to provide vital opportunities for individuals like Daniel, proving that the power of community, sport, and support can truly change lives.

Healthy Horizon Hubs take place in St Ann’s, Strelley, Carrington, Bullwell and Newark.

The Premier League and PFA Community Fund supports clubs to develop partnerships to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges. Projects supported by the Premier League and PFA have engaged more than 250,000 unique participants in over 350,000 sessions across England and Wales. Projects are supported by current and former professional football players, as well as scholars, to enhance the impact on participants.

To support delivery, more than £54.6m of funding from the Premier League and PFA has been distributed to club community organisations by the Premier League Charitable Fund over the last 14 years.