WESTBURY United FC will open its doors this August to allow families to enjoy picnics at their ground as part of an initiative involving the club, Wiltshire Council and health and police partners.
The pitch, which normally host competitive matches, will be open for fun activities for families from 11am to 2pm every week during August. Attending the events will be professionals to offer advice and support. People can turn up without booking for the sessions.
The free events will take place on Thursday 10th August from 11am to 2pm and Thursday 24th August from 11am to 2pm.
The summer sessions are the latest activities in a pilot project in Westbury to help families who need it to navigate information, advice and support as early and easily as possible. Wiltshire Council, health partner Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board and Wiltshire Police are involved in the pilot called All Together. The partners work together under a Families and Children’s Transformation (FACT) banner.
The pilot will also host online information and will be a precursor to the family hubs model which will start in April 2024 as agreed by Wiltshire Council leaders in June. The nearby Warminster Town Football Club will also be hosting picnic in the park events in August.
Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services at Wiltshire Council said, “Thank you to our local football clubs for showing real community spirit and offering up their venues for these family events. It shows how important community can be to everyone’s wellbeing and knowing there is support will be reassuring and comforting.
“Our pilot scheme in Westbury and Warminster is all about providing support and advice early. It is progressing and developing with our families, schools and local support networks to ensure people feel heard and get any help they need.”