Cygnet Health Care’s partnership with Taunton Town FC began in 2019 as stadium sponsors. Since then, the relationship has flourished with the aim of promoting the positive effect of sport on mental health and wellbeing.
The sponsorship of the Cygnet Health Care stadium represents not only how actively involved the hospital is with supporting the club via their community outreach programme, but also it highlights the ongoing commitment that the club has with regards to service users being involved with the sport.
Service users Simon and Leonard were among those who attended the season opening fixture as Taunton took on Gloucester City at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium where they were given the opportunity to present the match day ball so the season could officially start.
Debbie Gould, Head of Communication at Taunton Town FC said: “As a former nurse myself it is fantastic to have service users from Cygnet Hospital Taunton here and we couldn’t think of anybody else we would want to open the season for us.
“Having Cygnet back as stadium sponsors and knowing how much patients from the hospital enjoy weekend and evening fixtures is such a joy for us. Everyone here at the football club look forward to seeing many more patients attending throughout the season.”
Simon, a service user at the hospital, added: “I have never done anything like this before and I was really nervous but in a good way.
“I haven’t felt that excited in years”.
Leonard added: “It was a good match, it was really entertaining. The match finished 3 – 3 and now I can’t wait for the next home fixture”.
Head of Active Life Stu Hooper explained: “Being back as stadium sponsors and continuing to develop our relationship with Taunton Town Football Club has had many benefits for our patients.
“It gives them something to look forward to and it is a positive talking point on the ward with other patients. Also, it helps to really motivate our patients who are awaiting leave, it gives them somewhere to aspire toward.
“We all know how sport and being physically active can bring a powerful and positive impact on mental well-being so being involved with the football club is something we are incredibly proud of and we can’t wait to continue cheering them on throughout the season ahead.”
Cygnet Hospital Taunton, on Orchard Portman, provides acute inpatient admissions service for men and women and a specialist inpatient service for men diagnosed with a learning disability.