With World Mental Health Day being marked on Tuesday 10 October, West Ham United Foundation is shedding light on the role of the Any Old Irons programme in supporting the mental health and overall wellbeing of its participants.
Established in partnership with Friends of the Elderly in 2015, Any Old Irons warmly welcomes Hammers fans aged 65 and over to take part in a variety of activities aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
The primary objective of the programme is to address a critical concern – the adverse effects of social isolation and loneliness on both physical and mental health.
Research has consistently demonstrated that individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness face significantly elevated risks of various health conditions, including heart disease, cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression. These issues, while affecting individuals across all age groups, tend to disproportionately impact the elderly population due to factors such as the loss of a life partner, retirement, or reduced mobility.
Recognising the need to combat these challenges, the Any Old Irons programme has proven to be a resounding success in terms of mitigating the negative impacts of social isolation and loneliness among its members. By providing regular opportunities for members to meet new people and connect with like-minded individuals within their community, the programme has made a tangible difference in enhancing the mental wellbeing and overall quality of life for those it serves.
A sense of comfort
Having recently lost her spouse, Peggy, one of the group’s newest members, showed great courage when she decided to become a part of the Any Old Irons earlier this year. Since her first meeting in February, Peggy’s confidence has seen remarkable growth, transforming her into a committed and enthusiastic regular member. Notably, she has embraced the singing group, which was recently invited to perform at the Club’s Road to Victory celebration.
“My husband passed away two years ago, and after that, loneliness really started to weigh me down,” she shared, reflecting on her journey. “I lost the desire to go out. I used to love speaking with people but, suddenly, I didn’t have the heart for it. Then, my son learned about Any Old Irons, and he suggested I give it a go. I realised I needed to take a step forward, so I decided to give it a shot.
“The moment I walked into that room for the first time, I felt a sense of comfort and ease because everyone was incredibly warm and friendly. All the anxiety I had felt before, just went away. Since then, I’ve cherished every moment. The people in the Any Old Irons group, it’s like I’ve known them my whole life. I’m truly grateful that my son discovered this wonderful community.”
A sense of purpose
According to research from the NHS, those who actively participate in meaningful and collaborative activities tend to live longer, experience improved mental wellbeing, as well as a renewed sense of purpose.
Beyond their regular gatherings at the iconic Boleyn Tavern on Green Street, as well as various locations in East London and Essex, the Any Old Irons community consistently engage in a diverse array of activities, ranging from technological workshops and singing practice to captivating tours of London’s renowned landmarks.
As an integral part of the Any Old Irons programme, the London tours segment has received crucial support from the Foundation. This partnership, in collaboration with Historical Royal Palaces’ Community Access Scheme, has enabled members to pursue certification as qualified tour guides.
Following the loss of his mother last year, Howard found solace and encouragement from fellow member Pat, who inspired him to pursue certification as a guide for the Tower of London.
Drawing from his extensive experience as a geography teacher and deputy head throughout his career, Howard reignited his passion for education by leading his fellow members on guided tours around the historic site.
“Guiding groups around the Tower has become an incredibly fulfilling experience for me, especially following my mother’s death as I had been her carer for five years,” he remarked. “I thoroughly enjoy it and find myself learning something new with every visit. It has been immensely rewarding, affording me the opportunity to connect with lots of people along the way.”
