Story added: 28th January 2025

Fans Support Hub opens at Carrow Road

Last weekend, ahead of last weekend’s game against Swansea City, the Foundation opened our all-new Carrow Road Support Hub for the first time. With a core emphasis on improving both mental and physical wellbeing, the Healthy Fans initiative has been built around the four key goals of connection, engagement, support and education.

Together with the support of Norwich City FC, The Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association, the idea of the Healthy Fans Support Hub was created with the wellbeing of the thousands of football fans attending the stadium every other Saturday in mind.

Data from Norfolk Data Insights suggests that the rate of drug and alcohol misuse within the county, as well as mental health issues, well exceed the national average, with a percentage of the people experiencing these issues not seeking the help they perhaps need. The new Healthy Fans initiative looks to directly address these concerns by creating accessible pathways to better health. 

On a Carrow Road match day, the Healthy Fans Support Hub will always be open, operating from two different locations around the famous stadium. A permanent space has been created in the Ticket Office corner of the River End, as well as an all-new mobile van, which will park in various locations around the perimeter of the ground. The van will also be present at all Norwich City Women’s home games at The Nest.

Fans can drop in for one-to-one guidance on a variety of topics, including nutrition, exercise, and both mental and physical health. 

 By partnering with local charities and engaging in national campaigns, the Healthy Fans Programme aims to reach and support Norwich City’s diverse fanbase. On Saturday, our staff were joined by the Samaritans charity, who were on hand to offer any additional assistance or support.

Dan Payne, the Foundation’s Wellbeing Officer, had this to say about these exciting new developments:

“We’re incredibly proud to launch Healthy Fans with support from Norwich City FC. Football brings people together, and this initiative will use that shared passion to address real health challenges in our community. We’re committed to improving physical and mental wellbeing, reducing isolation, and giving fans the tools they need to lead healthier lives.”