Chelsea FC Foundation have launched the first Bridging the Blues programme in partnership with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to support those in the north-west London area who have experienced a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack).

The Bridging the Blues programme, which is funded by the PLCF (Premier League Charitable Funds) and The Hospital Saturday Fund, aims to use the 12-week intervention model to support lifestyle changes such as physical activity, psychoeducation and nutrition education to reduce the risk of further a further TIA or Stroke.

Anne-Marie Smith, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Chelsea FC Foundation, said: 'We are very grateful to both PLCF and The Hospital Saturday Fund for helping bring this fantastic programme to life. We are really proud to be running such a unique initiative that supports people with stroke risk factors and hope that other Football Club Foundations follow in our footsteps to bridge the gap in this healthcare inequality.'

Emma Hill, Population Health Project Manager at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: 'We are really pleased to see the first Bridging the Blues programme get underway supporting those who have had a TIA or minor stroke to lead a more healthier lifestyle. This is the first programme of its kind and having Chelsea FC Foundation delivering the programme at Stamford Bridge really does provide a unique opportunity for our patients and community.

'This is a really exciting partnership and we look forward to rolling out more programmes to improve health and wellbeing and help to reduce health inequalities that are most relevant to our patients, staff and local community by working closely with key populations to develop initiatives that motivate, educate and inspire.'

One of the inaugural Bridging the Blues participants is Kimberly, who said: 'I feel very fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to participate in the inaugural 'The Bridging the Blues' programme offered by Chelsea FC Foundation. Activity and maintaining my fitness have always been a key part of my daily routine, so having a TIA at 59 was not something I ever expected as a risk.

'When I returned to my 'life' and the day to day routine, I often felt very alone and vulnerable in a way that I never had experienced before. Participation in the programme has given me a place where I can share my experiences with others as an opportunity to regain my confidence.

'Already I feel that I have made positive steps toward achieving my goal of closing the loop on what happened to me and quiet the niggling worries that I have been struggling to overcome.'

Jo Kwan, Stroke Consultant at the NHS, said: 'Having a stroke is very scary and it is important for patients to be empowered and educated on what they can do themselves to reduce the risk of having another stroke.

'There are so many lifestyle changes that have been proven to prevent future strokes, including smoking cessation, regular exercise to enhance fitness, and adopting a Mediterranean diet. When combined with personalised medical interventions, future stroke risk can be reduced by up to 80%, which is very impressive'

For more details of our TIA or Health and Wellbeing programmes, please contact [email protected]