What is the Heart of Mersey Healthy Stadia Programme?
Recognising the important role that sports stadia play within communities and that significant numbers of people work in or attend events at them, the Healthy Stadia Programme sets out to work with six stadia in Merseyside.  Aintree Race Course, Everton FC, Liverpool FC, St Helens RLFC, Tranmere FC and Halton Stadium have all pledged to work towards initiatives that promote a healthier stadia for their communities.

What is a healthy stadium?
A healthy stadium is one which promotes the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community. It is a place where people can go to have a positive, healthy experience playing or watching sport.

When did it start?
The programme was launched in July 2005 at Aintree Racecourse. A baseline audit with all six stadia has been completed and some significant developments to date include St Helens RL establishing a Healthy Stadia Steering Group, Halton Stadium and Tranmere Rovers reviewing smoking policies, Liverpool FC and Aintree Racecourse encouraging an increase in physical activity levels in staff and Everton FC promoting 5 A Day healthy eating.

Who is involved?
The initial focus was on securing commitment from each venue to the concept of healthy stadia and to an initial action plan. With support from external consultants Mark Haig and Judy Crabb there have been a number of 'quick wins', working with relatively small groups of key individuals from the stadia along with specialists from Heart of Mersey, PCT and LA representatives. This is paving the way for long-term partnership working which will require a wider involvement from statutory and voluntary agencies.

For further information contact Mark Haig. Email mark@haigassociatesltd.co.uk