ELLEN’S STORY

Ellen started coming to Celtic FC Foundation’s Lions’ Lunch Breaks when her husband, Andy was diagnosed with dementia. The men would talk about football and discuss the games they went to back in their day, as well as taking part in activities and games that help them connect with others and feel like themselves again.

Ellen explained: "When I used to come with Andy and we'd get in the car he'd say, ‘That was a great afternoon, wasn't it?’"

But it’s not just about support for those living with dementia. Lions’ Lunch Breaks are also a lifeline for the people who care for them, who can enjoy respite and conversation with people going through similar experiences.

Ellen found a fantastic community through these sessions, so much so that she continues to participate even though Andy is sadly no longer with us. She said,

“The women support each other," she said. "They can talk about how good or bad a week they've had. So for the women, that's a godsend.”

It’s another example of how the help provided by Celtic FC Foundations projects are just the start.

The participants go on to form lifelong friendships that improve their lives in many ways for years to come. If you need it, take that first step now - it could provide the essential help and support you need, making day-to-day life a little easier and more reassuring.

In the Spirit of Christmas

We first think of Christmas as a time of joy and happiness, but for many people it’s actually the most difficult time of the year, where loneliness, financial worries and other struggles are magnified.

For the past 10 years, the Celtic FC Christmas films have focused on that joyful Christmas magic, but this year we wanted to raise awareness of the other side of the festive season.

Celtic FC was formed with a purpose of providing support. The Club’s aim was to help alleviate poverty in the East End of Glasgow and put food on the table for vulnerable people, and that aim has only expanded in reach since then as we have continued to be a club open to all.

With this year’s film, we want to raise awareness of the excellent work that Celtic FC Foundation do each year.

This year we are highlighting the stories of three participants of Celtic FC Foundation projects, to show the help that’s available all year round to anyone who needs it. We launched by sharing Frances’ story last week and today we continue by sharing Ellen’s story.

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Celtic FC Foundation projects across the UK and Ireland were engaged with over 39,500 times last year, demonstrating the ongoing need for this invaluable support. The Christmas Appeal is of course a major campaign every year, raising £412k in 2024 to help those who need it most over the festive period.

But the Foundation provides essential services all year round, delivering a wide range of support across Glasgow and beyond. Christmas is a time when many of us feel an extra strain, and it’s understandable that you may need a little more help over the festive season.

It’s never too late to take the first step, and asking for help is always the right thing to do. Celtic FC Foundation has a host of friendly and welcoming colleagues who can give you advice, plus you can meet like-minded local people to build an essential community.

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We hope these stories can inspire you to look further into the help offered by Celtic FC Foundation, and that you can take the first step to receiving support if you or a loved one need it.

In the Spirit of Christmas: Watch Part Two of our Christmas film now