This season, fans at Gigg Lane will notice something new both pitch side and high in the stands- bold, engaging messages encouraging supporters to look after their health while backing their team. Bury FC is proud to support the Healthy Stadia movement, demonstrating its commitment to the wellbeing of its fans and the wider community.
Recognising Gigg Lane as a space where the community comes together, Bury FC and Bury Council’s Public Health Team are using the stadium as a platform to promote health in a way that feels relevant, accessible, and inspiring. This marks the first campaign of its kind in a football ground in Bury- an exciting step in connecting sport with community wellbeing.
The new signage, sponsored by Bury Council’s Public Health Team and supported by Bury FC, is part of a pilot campaign aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of quitting smoking. With messages like “Clear lungs. Louder chants,” the initiative is designed to spark conversations and guide fans toward free, local stop smoking support through the Bury Live Well Service.
This campaign also forms part of the wider “Making Smoking History” initiative, led by the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, which aims to reduce smoking rates and eliminate tobacco-related harm across the region. Bury FC is proud to play a role in this regional ambition by using its platform to promote healthier lifestyles.
Jon Hobday, Director of Public Health for Bury, said:
“We’re proud to be working with Bury FC to promote a healthier borough through our stop smoking campaign. These new advertisement boards are a visible reminder of the support available to help people quit smoking and improve their wellbeing. By placing them in such a prominent community space, we hope to encourage more residents to take that first step towards a smoke-free future.”
Lee Buggie, Public Health Specialist and former Bury FC player, added:
“Bury FC is setting a powerful example of how football clubs can be more than just sporting venues- they can be catalysts for healthier communities. As someone who’s worn the shirt and now works in public health, it’s inspiring to see the club take such a visible stand on wellbeing. The anti-smoking messaging around Gigg Lane is more than just signage- it’s a statement of intent, showing real commitment to the health of fans and the wider Bury community.”
Lizzie Howard, Tobacco Control Officer, said:
“Working with Bury FC on this campaign has been a fantastic opportunity to bring health promotion into a space that means so much to local people. We’re proud to be developing this work together as part of our Healthy Stadia efforts- helping fans and residents alike take steps toward quitting smoking and living healthier lives.”
Bury FC Head of Commercial, Chris Watts, added:
“We’re proud to announce our new partnership with Bury Live Well, an organisation that shares our passion for promoting health, wellbeing, and community spirit. This collaboration marks an exciting step forward as we work together to support the physical and mental wellbeing of our fans and the wider Bury community.”
For free local support, contact Bury Live Well Service:
Call: 0161 253 6668
Visit: Stop Smoking with Bury Live Well Service | Bury Directory