The programme made its return in mid-January, with weekly sessions designed to help members of our local community improve their health and wellbeing.

Now a third of the way through, those involved have been throwing themselves into the sessions at St Mary’s Stadium, which have included an initial health check, learning based around controlling energy intake and output, and physical activity in various areas of the stadium.

Saints Goal participant, Della, told us: “I managed to drag myself to the gym Friday night! I did 30 minutes cardio and then went swimming. Total steps: 12,500! Saturday night, I went out walking the streets with my friends/team at Street Angels Southampton, helping/feeding the homeless and managed 18,000 steps!”

The programme has been able to return for a special 2023 cohort thanks to support from our Official Wellness Partner, Vitality.

Vitality has created a special incentives and rewards programme, modelled on what it offers to all its insurance customers, to help those on the Saints Goal programme to stick with their activity goals and not give up. Over the 12 week programme, those taking part can access discounts on items that support a healthy lifestyle such as new trainers and healthy food delivery boxes as long as they keep going.

Saints Goal participant, Claire, told us: “I started the [Saints Goal] journey 3 years ago with a fabulous group of women but unfortunately due to covid we were unable to finish the course. Now in 2023 we have been given the opportunity to start again.”

“The confidence and encouragement this course gives me to get my fitness back is without a doubt what I needed and it came at exactly the right time.”

“Thank you to everyone at Saints Foundation and Vitality for giving ordinary people like me the focus we need to feel better about ourselves.”