Nearly £500,000 Awarded to Help Reduce Loneliness for Older People in Southampton
Seniors Saints, a project supporting older residents across Southampton, is celebrating a major milestone today after securing nearly half a million pounds in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. This three-year grant will strengthen the project’s work to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, and help older people stay active, connected and independent in the City.
This funding will specifically continue the work of four community hubs across Southampton, located in neighbourhoods where older adults face the greatest health inequalities. Each hub offers accessible, welcoming spaces where Saints Foundation, the charity of Southampton Football Club, and partners come together to provide daily physical activity, social connection and practical health support. By bringing services directly into local communities, these hubs help older adults stay active, independent and better connected.
Almost 1 in 5 older adults in Southampton feel lonely in their daily life & 37% of our older adults are physically inactive. Last season Senior Saints engaged over 450 older adults in the city, with 80% of participants of Senior
Saints either reducing their levels of loneliness or increasing their levels of physical activity, during their time on the project.
Jean’s Story
One of the many people whose life has been transformed by Seniors Saints is Jean.
Jean lived an active, energetic life for decades, even while managing long‑term physical disabilities. When her health declined more recently, losing her independence took a real toll on her confidence and mental wellbeing, leaving her feeling cut off and isolated.
Since joining Seniors Saints, things have started to shift. Her weekly visits to the hub have helped her rediscover joy in physical activities and exercise and connect with people and make new friends. You can watch Jean’s story here:
A Community Effort Made Possible by National Lottery Players
This funding has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, whose contributions support thousands of community projects across the UK. Their generosity ensures that organisations like Seniors Saints can continue to deliver life‑changing support for people who need it most.
Paul Hedges, Health Projects Manger for Saints Foundation said:
“This funding is fantastic news for us. It allows our team to keep supporting older people across Southampton with friendship, connection, and practical help. Jean’s story is just one example of the impact this work has in the city every single day.”
Senior Saints sessions run Monday to Thursday at locations across the city, offering everything from chair‑based exercise to walking football. To find the full schedule and your nearest session, please visit: https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/saints-foundation-senior-saints
