Find out how one participant has found a purpose thanks to Southampton’s Senior Saints programme

Pat struggled with feelings of isolation and loneliness during the pandemic, but the Senior Saints programme delivered by the Saints Foundation helped boost her confidence and independence as well as those other old people in the Southampton area.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Pat met Southampton Women’s Manager Marieanne Spacey-Cale to explain the impact of the programme.

“I did panic a bit, especially if something went wrong and I needed help,” she says of her time in the pandemic. “I was really nervous, I didn’t want to go out.

“Without the support I would have been quite lonely. It’s given me a reason to get up and to have something to look forward to.”

During the pandemic, Senior Saints would make sure participants kept connected, with regular calls via Zoom and telephone.

And with in-person sessions resuming again, Pat has joined exercise sessions as well as weekly walks.

The sessions also give participants the chance to talk, make friends and learn new skills.

“It has given me a purpose to my weeks,” Pat says. “Saints Foundation has been a real lifeline for me, definitely.

“If it hadn’t been for them, I don’t know. I know it comes across a little bit silly but it’s so true.”

Also in this series

Part 1: UK football family reaffirms commitment to mental health
Part 2: McAtee: Team-mates can help your mental health
Part 3: Lennon: I didn’t realise there was so much help around
Part 4: Mertesacker: Wellbeing support is crucially important
Part 5: Mertesacker: We need to be able to express our feelings
Part 6: Premier League managers unite to tackle suicide
Part 7: Ruddy: Mental health project helps people let off steam
Part 8: Kemp: Opening up helped my mental health
Part 9: ‘Saints Foundation has been a lifeline for me’