Had an email from the club today about the Baggie Buddies scheme that the club is running. Aims to help those that live alone or feel isolated by pairing them up with a buddy to attend the match with. Looks like a great idea to me and was apparently successful last season too. More info from the email:
After the fantastic reception to the Baggies Buddies scheme last season, we’re expanding the initiative to further help people who feel isolated or lonely to reconnect with the community.
Last season, our team of Baggies Buddies welcomed and accompanied a number of people to a match at The Hawthorns.
Buddies are Albion fans who give two hours of their matchday to meet up before the game and provide some company to someone who may be new to The Hawthorns or just be keen not to attend a match alone. They’ll also be sat together to watch the match.
If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from the Buddies scheme and would like to join us on a matchday email buddies@wbafc.co.uk and we’ll chat with you to pick the best game and select a Buddy to join you.
For those that feel a Championship match may be a little overwhelming to begin with, we are now offering a Buddy for a special stadium tour and U23 matches at The Hawthorns following feedback from our team of Buddies.
There will be a special Buddies Stadium Tour every other month with a smaller group of guests escorted around the Stadium by our experienced tour guide and accompanied by a couple of Buddies.
You’ll get to see behind the scenes at The Hawthorns, learn about the Club’s fantastic history and familiarise yourself with the Stadium ahead of joining us for a match when you feel ready.
Tickets for Stadium tours are £5. To find out dates of the next Buddies tour or get your ticket email buddies@wbafc.co.uk
Every season a number of U23 matches are held at The Hawthorns and for anyone wanting to take in a football match, but not feeling ready for the large crowds of a normal matchday, this is an ideal way to start your journey.
To find out more about U23 matches at The Hawthorns or tell us that you’d like to join us with a Baggies Buddy email buddies@wbafc.co.uk.
We’ve also introduced the 'Hawthorns Hub' a weekly gathering at The Hawthorns for anyone in the community who wants to make new friends, learn new skills or maybe just get out of the house. Anyone of any age is welcome to come along.
Held on a Tuesday from 1.30pm - 3pm. There is tea and coffee on tap and we’ve run informal workshops on computer and smart phone skills for beginners.
There’s no cost to come along, if you’d like to find out more about what where we meet, what goes on and whether its for you contact gurdial.singh@albionfoundation.co.uk or telephone 07896 436490.
Baggies Buddies and Hawthorns Hub is an initiative for everyone. You don’t have to be an Albion fan – or even a football fan – to take advantage of the scheme.
As a Club we are passionate about tackling loneliness and isolation and with the support of our Albion Family we’re here for anyone in the community who could use our help.
