North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and Bristol Rovers Community Trust (BRCT) are proud to announce a new collaboration that will see the two organisations working together to deliver impactful health, education, and wellbeing initiatives in the local area.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in promoting healthier lifestyles, improving access to services, and strengthening community inclusion. By combining the clinical expertise of NBT with the outreach power and local engagement of BRCT, the collaboration aims to create lasting, positive change for people of all ages and backgrounds.
A shared vision for healthier communities
The collaboration agreement aligns with the NHS 10-year-plan’s shift from Hospital to Community and outlines a joint commitment to:
- Promote physical activity, mental health awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices, for example through free health checks for members of the local community.
- Deliver community-based health education programmes, such as visiting local schools together to teach pupils about health and wellbeing.
- Provide access to local resources, for example by NBT attending local events at the football ground.
- Co-create campaigns and events that are inclusive, engaging, and measurable in their impact.
Maria Kane, Chief Executive of Bristol NHS Group which North Bristol NHS Trust is part of alongside University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I’m delighted to launch this collaboration, which is about more than just working together, it’s about building a healthier, more connected community. By joining forces with Bristol Rovers Community Trust, we’re better able to reach people where they are, in ways that are meaningful and accessible.”
Adam Tutton, Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Rovers Community Trust, added:
“We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with North Bristol NHS Trust. This groundbreaking collaboration between a football club charity and a leading healthcare provider has the potential to harness the power of football to reach people, improve lives, and drive meaningful change in local health and wellbeing.”
Health checks to kick off the collaboration
To mark the beginning of this collaboration, members of Bristol Rovers Community Trust and Bristol Rovers football club will receive free health checks on Friday 28 November 2025, delivered by the Health Checks Team at NBT. These checks will provide valuable insights into personal health and wellbeing for individuals to help them take proactive steps toward healthier lifestyles.
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to bring healthcare into the heart of the community - making it more accessible, preventative, and empowering.
NBT provided free health checks to other organisations and the community over the Summer, including at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, and will explore further ways to provide these to local communities as part of the collaboration with BRCT.
During a 20-minute appointment, individuals will be offered a range of checks and advice. These checks cover areas such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Checks include Cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring, aiming to detect preventable health conditions diabetes, stroke and heart disease. You can read more on the NBT website at https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-services/work-based-health-checks
Looking ahead
The collaboration will run for an initial two-year period and is a testament to the power of collaboration in public service. It reflects a growing recognition that health and wellbeing are shaped not just in hospitals and clinics, but in schools, sports clubs, and community spaces.
How this collaboration strengthens our community
NBT’s collaboration with BRCT is all about creating meaningful impact for people across the local area. It aligns with NBT’s objective to be an Anchor in the Community. By working together the collaboration will support the delivery of health and wellbeing initiatives that are accessible and inclusive, provide education and engagement opportunities beyond the hospital setting, and tackle health inequalities. This collaboration also helps build stronger connections between healthcare and local communities, ensuring that support and resources are available in familiar, trusted environments.
This approach aligns perfectly with the ethos of Bristol Rovers Community Trust, which focuses on four key areas: education, health, social inclusion, and sport. Through these pillars, the Community Trust uses the power of football to inspire positive change, promote physical and mental wellbeing, and ensure that everyone has access to opportunities that enrich their lives.
Together, we are committed to creating a healthier, more connected community for North Bristol and beyond.
NBT will have a presence at future football fixtures at the Bristol Rovers Memorial Stadium and BRCT events, showcasing the different initiatives that the collaboration is delivering within the community.
This collaboration is a bold and exciting step toward a healthier, more inclusive future for North Bristol.