West Bromwich Albion have launched a new project to help fight back against the growing problem of loneliness and isolation in our communities.
Our ‘Baggies Buddies’ initiative will get underway at the February 2 game against Middlesbrough with a view to it becoming a match day companion to those who may feel isolated or alone.
We plan to assemble a stable of 'Baggies Buddies' who will help us provide a permanent welcome to supporters currently deterred from attending games at The Hawthorns in the absence of companionship.
The Buddies will be available to meet up for some pre-match company from two hours before the match and will sit in a special “Baggies Buddies” zone during the game.
We’re passionate about, and committed to, our local community and determined to support everyone - not just Albion fans. The Club wants to offer a comfortable, welcoming and safe space at The Hawthorns for all and we’ve had a fantastic response from the Albion Family to help us to do so.
We’re delighted to report that we already have a group of volunteers who want to take up the role of "Baggies Buddies" but we can always accommodate more and if you are interested in offering your services please email fans@wbafc.co.uk and we’ll send you an outline of the role and an application form.
You will need to conduct an online Criminal records check as part of the application process, details of which we’ll confirm when you apply.
Please do share this initiative and reach out to anyone who you think may benefit from the Baggies Buddies initiative.
Tickets for the Baggies Buddies section, which will be located in the Woodman Corner, can be purchased directly from the Ticket Office on 0121 227 2227 or online at wbatickets.co.uk.
To buy online select the fixture and click “Add.” When the stadium map opens, click on the block labelled “W/C” and when the plan opens select your seat to add to your basket. At checkout you will be asked if you want to be part of the “Baggies Buddies” scheme and if so select “Yes.” We’ll be in touch ahead of the game to let you know where the meeting place will be if you want to meet up with before the game.
We would deeply appreciate your help to join us to fight this growing problem. Mounting evidence-based research exposes the depth of the problem which does not, as is commonly assumed, effect only the elderly.
More than nine million people in the UK consider themselves lonely but two thirds of them are uncomfortable admitting it. And loneliness does not just take an emotional toll - the same research proves it is harmful to our physical well-being too.
Help us fight back and prove once more that the big-hearted Albion Family will be there to help ease one of the growing problems of this age.