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Since launching the Healthy Horizon hubs in January, we sat down with participant Lynn to hear about her experience with the health and wellbeing programme delivered by Nottingham Forest Community Trust.

Over six weeks, Lynn saw positive changes in her life, showing that with the right support and environment, progress is always possible.

When Lynn first joined the programme, she was facing significant challenges. She had experienced homelessness for two years and had been living in a small room for over a decade. On her first day at the Trust’s Hub in Strelley, she felt overwhelmed and emotional, unsure if it was the right place for her.

She had expected the programme to be heavily focused on sports, something she wasn’t comfortable with.

When she was introduced to activities like dominoes, cards, and pool, she was hesitant. However, after speaking with Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Nigel, she felt a connection.

She still doubted herself on the way home, but after speaking to her daughter, she realised she had actually enjoyed it and couldn’t wait to go back.

Before joining the programme, Lynn’s diet was unhealthy, consisting mainly of crisps, chocolate, and fizzy drinks.

She was caught in a downward spiral. When asked to document her meals, she felt disheartened.

However, a cooking demonstration at one of the sessions with Rupert introduced her to the basics of preparing food.

Over time, she started experimenting with new ingredients, trying halloumi and even avocado for the first time.

Now, she loves making risotto, taking her time to perfect the rice. She keeps a book filled with recipes and has expanded her grocery list to include fruit, vegetables, celery, and onions – far from her previous diet of chocolate.

Beyond food, the programme gives Lynn a sense of belonging. Healthy Horizon Hubs have become a place where she feels welcomed and accepted. She rediscovered her love for sewing, and eagerly shows her work to Nigel and others in the group.

She also found a new passion for the gym, something she never thought she would enjoy. She has given up chocolate, drinks water regularly (something she never did before), and embraces trying new foods.

One of her favourite personal past-times is visiting Whitby, where she takes a wardrobe of clothes she has made entirely herself showcasing how far she has come in rebuilding her confidence and sense of purpose.

Ian Richardson, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, shared:”Lynn has been attending for the last eight weeks.

“When she first arrived, she was quite tearful and upset and reluctant to engage with the activities that were on offer.

“However, over the last six weeks Lynn has become an important part of the group.

“Her mood has improved, she is more confident and has built strong relationships with other members of the group.

“She has now taken an interest in cooking, gardening and making her own clothes. Lynn now feels more positive and is looking forward to the future.”

For those considering joining, Lynn’s advice is simple: Just come in.

“It’s not about who runs it, it’s the people here.

“They are so friendly, and if you saw them on the street, you’d talk to them. It’s welcoming. The difference between me coming in first to now; I had never played games before, and now I love it. The reason I like it is because it’s not serious and fun.”

The programme has given Lynn something to look forward to every week. She watches the clock at work, excited to finish so she can attend. It has given her purpose, a safe space to share how she feels, and a community that truly supports her.

Lynn hopes her story inspires others who may find themselves in similar situations, showing that with the right guidance and support, a healthier and more positive future is always within reach.

Healthy Horizon Hubs are supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association. Administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.

To find out more about Healthy Horizon Hubs, click here.