Launched today, Friday 23 October, Swift Together will see Walsall FC Academy Scholars and Post 16 Football and Education Students volunteer across hospital and community sites, supporting patients of all ages and the staff who care for them.

First-team players from Walsall FC’s men’s and women’s teams will also be joining the young people on visits, subject to availability, throughout the season.

This new programme has been developed through the Patient Experience Team at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and aims to deliver a year-round programme of activities supporting patients, families, carers, staff and local communities through engagement, wellbeing, volunteering, apprenticeships, fundraising and social value initiatives.

As well as benefitting patients of all ages who use healthcare services, it is hoped the partnership will also help the young players expand their skills and be able to take part in new experiences.

Garry Perry, Associate Director Patient Voice (Experience) for Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “We are so proud to be able to launch Swift Together tomorrow and start our first session on the Children’s Ward at the Manor Hospital.

“We have had many positive discussions with Walsall FC Foundation to bring us to this point and know this programme will enhance the experience of our patients of all ages in our healthcare settings in both the hospital and the community and we feel confident the young players will also get a lot out of the opportunity.”

Adam Davy, Director at Walsall FC Foundation added: “It’s fantastic to be able to launch this new partnership with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, and it’s one we know patients, staff and young people will benefit from.

“As well as raising spirits and inspiring the hearts and minds of our community, our key goal at the Club and Foundation, Swift Together is about personal growth for our Academy scholars and Post 16 students.

“By offering these real-world experiences where they can volunteer to help local people, we hope it’ll help them develop into well-rounded young people, something that is really important to us.”