Everton's efforts to combat social isolation and dementia have taken a huge stride forward thanks to the opening of The Blue Base in the shadows of Goodison Park.
It received funding from the Football Foundation, a charity established by the Premier League, The FA and Sport England to invest in community facilities.
The £800,000 fully accessible centre provides community-focused activities for elderly participants living in the area, as well as matchday support for the club’s disabled and vulnerable fans.
Pat, aged 72, lost her husband to Alzheimer's last year and regularly attends the Everton in the Community sessions run at The Blue Base. She is extremely thankful for the support she has received from the club.
"I never thought when I reached this age I would need Everton, but they are there for me and they always will be," she said.
"For those couple of hours, they just lift you. If you need any support, you know they're there."
Everton CEO Denise Barrett- Baxendale and manager Marco Silva opened the centre in September 2018.
"On the day I arrived, Denise and the board told me about Everton in the Community and what the club does to help people," Silva said.
"I told her straightaway that I want to be part of this. It is important for me to be involved with these projects."
Barrett-Baxendale added: "The work we do here is an example of how you support your extended family. That family value is important to us."
