Latest News

Nottingham Forest Foundation welcomed over 100 guests to the City Ground for a unique Summer of Wellbeing evening dedicated to mental health, mindfulness, and community connection, as part of our Resilient Reds programme.

Delivered in partnership with Euphoria Living, the event transformed the iconic stadium into an open-air sanctuary, offering attendees an immersive lineup of restorative activities designed to nourish both body and mind.

The highlight of the evening saw participants step directly pitchside for an exclusive Yoga session, followed by an immersive Soundbath beneath the open sky.

Inside the stadium’s Trentside Lounge, guests took part in interactive essential oil workshops, exploring sensory relaxation techniques. Meanwhile, the Nottingham Forest Museum hosted guest talks from Dr Karen Neil highlighting the intrinsic link between physical movement and positive mental health.

To round off the evening, guests gathered to enjoy a selection of healthy food and drink refreshments, reflecting on the experience and connecting with local community partners.

The event also welcomed Nottingham Forest Netball players Natasha Pavelin, Imogen Allison, and Berri Neil, who joined attendees in the sessions and championed the importance of mental health and holistic recovery in sport.

Central to the success of the night was the presence of vital local health and community organisations, providing attendees with direct access to support services and resources:

• Thriving Nottingham

• Will Garvey Trust Foundation

• Harmless: The Tomorrow Project

• Nottingham Counselling Services

• The Renewal Trust

• Bottled Up Blokes

• Sexual Health Services Nottingham & Nottinghamshire

• NHS Talking Therapies

Colin Eley, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Nottingham Forest Foundation, said:

“Bringing over 100 community members onto the pitch at the City Ground for an evening centered entirely around mental health and mindfulness was deeply inspiring. The City Ground is usually a place of high energy and passion, so using the stadium as a space for relaxation and reflection demonstrates the unique power of sport in bringing people together.

Working alongside our local health partners, this event highlighted just how vital physical activity and mindfulness are for long-term wellbeing.

Dr Karen Neil, guest talker at the Summer of Wellbeing event, said:

“An inspiring, inclusive event with like-minded, caring professionals working together to enable people to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

A nurturing, supportive environment and range of activities, provided the perfect conditions for people to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, and make new friends. There were lots of happy, relaxed faces by the end of the evening, and a lovely smell of essential oils!”

The event left a lasting impression on those who attended, with one participant sharing:

“The whole evening was so well planned and thought out. I know this must have taken a lot of coordination! Speaking to others during the evening, I believe everyone got something out of it.

I don’t think I will ever forget lying on the pitch doing yoga and watching the clouds and birds passing overhead. It definitely reminded me to calm my mind and stop sometimes.”

The Summer of Wellbeing forms part of the Foundation’s broader Health & Wellbeing programming, bringing people together through physical activity, peer support, and accessible health education across Nottinghamshire.

This event was proudly funded by the Premier League Foundation and The PFA.