As part of the Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust’s 30-year anniversary celebrations, a series of accounts from staff, volunteers, partners and participants have been compiled in the ‘30 Stories for 30 Years’ publication, that also includes the annual Impact Report for 2022.
All of the stories, and the Impact Report, can be viewed online HERE. Should you wish to request a hard copy, please email kristian.hitchins@watfordfc.com.
Next up is the story of Antony Nolan...
The Trust’s weight management programme has been supporting adults to lead healthier lifestyles for free since January 2015.
Shape Up was initially launched in Hertfordshire as a male-only offer in response to an identified need to engage more men in weight-loss courses. Now, we can reflect on a course that has worked collaboratively with health professionals and helped thousands of people to lose weight.
It has now also expanded to offer courses in Harrow, as well as offering tailored courses for females, and those with a physical and/or learning disability and those with a severe mental illness.
An illustration of the programme’s impact is the story of Antony. Since originally taking part in the core 12-week course of Shape Up in 2021, Antony has lost over nine stone of weight.
Now attending a graduate’s programme at the Meriden Community Centre, Antony continues to support the project, always willing to assist in any way he can, including being a motivator for new Shape Up participants.
Summing up his experience, Antony said: “I cannot thank [Trust staff member] Shaun and the Shape Up team enough for saving my life. I feel so much better about myself, I’m gaining self-esteem I haven’t had in years. I look better in my clothes and I’m more active with my kids, running around the park, playing football and getting up the climbing frames.”
