Fan Group In Focus: Dunstable Town

Dunstable Town held the official opening of their community benefit society (CBS) Hub last week (Tuesday 29th August) ahead of kick-off in their match against Colney Heath.

The Hub serves as headquarters for many great initiatives, including ‘Improving the Lives of Others’, the club’s community support programme.

Dunstable Town are owned by their supporters and, as a result, run a range of programmes for the local community tackling mental health matters, social isolation and helping adults with complex needs.

In addition they are about to launch a series of walking football events for people with dementia as the result of a partnership with Tibbs Dementia Foundation, a Bedford-based charity.

The Hub hosts:

• Improving the Lives of Others – now into its third year and delivering support for up to 140 people every week. Nine hours across three days dedicated to peer support mental health group.
• S.O.U.L (Support, Optimism, Understanding & Laughter) meet every Wednesday with activities from arts and crafts to supporting each other when problems and difficulties arise.
• Two more mental health peer support groups, Sphere at the Glider and Minds2gether, which have received the backing of their local MP Andrew Selous and various local specialist organisations.
• A weekly support group for lonely and socially isolated people in partnership with Titan PCN.
• Three walking football groups which cater for a wide variety of people from very diverse backgrounds, including a specialist group for adults with complex needs.

All the groups are free to join with the running costs met by grants, sponsorship and club revenues.

The FSA was represented at the Hub’s launch by Richard Irving (community-owned clubs network manager) and Nick Duckett, FC United of Manchester supporter and former FSA National Council member.

The FSA’s Richard Irving, community-owned clubs network manager, said: “The Hub is a safe space where people can discuss thoughts and emotions in an understanding, non-judgemental environment. It’s a fantastic initiative and shows what supporter-owned clubs can give back to their communities.”

If you’d like to find out more about Dunstable Town or our Community-Owned Clubs Network, email [email protected]