Lifelong Newcastle United supporter Thomas Graham uses his role as Health and Wellbeing Project Coordinator at Newcastle United Foundation to encourage others to consider their physical and mental wellness, inspiring them to engage in activities to improve how they feel - physically and mentally.
In recognition of his work, Thomas has been named as One of Our Own as part of the Premier League Supports campaign, celebrating his exceptional contribution to the community.
Thomas was awarded with a One of Our Own print and scarf presented by Howe at the club's Benton base ahead of Premier League Supports activity when Newcastle United took on Manchester United at St. James' Park on Sunday.
The campaign highlights the impact of Premier League investment on wider football and communities, as it announces new funding to benefit clubs and fans at all levels of the game.
Thomas said: "It's a huge honour for me to receive this recognition from the Premier League and Newcastle United. It's been a complete surprise to meet with Eddie Howe and to be presented with this award - it's something I could never have imagined happening.
"Providing tools for people in the North East to improve their mental and physical wellbeing is so important to me and I love coming to work at Newcastle United Foundation each day knowing we are making a difference in people's lives.
"I'm extremely grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and who have made it all possible. I'd especially like to thank the Premier League, Newcastle United and Newcastle United Foundation - it's a pleasure to be part of this club and this community."
Originally from Fenham, in Newcastle, Thomas joined the Foundation's Health and Wellbeing team in 2019, supporting the charity's provision of Walking Football, wellness workshops, the charity's Be A Game Changer mental health awareness campaign and more.
When face-to-face wellbeing sessions were suspended during the pandemic, Thomas sought to address issues around social isolation and loneliness for walking footballers and older generations who were cut off from contact with friends and family while in lockdown or shielding for months at a time.
The Football Talks programme was created and led by Thomas to relieve the negative impact on the mental health of some of the North East's most vulnerable people. Through the power of Newcastle United, Thomas created a new community online, building a social support network for over 50s.
Twice-weekly sessions were maintained throughout the pandemic where participants could form friendships, discuss football, join quizzes and prediction leagues and ultimately, share how they were feeling in a safe and welcoming space. The programme became a huge success and remains popular today with participants also using Walking Football sessions to boost their physical and mental health.
Thomas himself saw the benefits of Newcastle United Foundation and Premier League programmes while growing up and attended Premier League Kicks sessions for three years as a teenager.
Premier League investment via the Football Foundation in NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society, just five minutes' walk from St. James' Park, enables dozens of young participants to enjoy in free community activity led by Newcastle United Foundation at the centre each week.
The Foundation currently offers more than 40 education, sport and wellbeing programmes across the North East, including Premier League Kicks, Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires - inspiring children and teenagers to engage in school and recreational sport.
The Premier League Supports campaign will be visible at all Premier League matches between 1st and 9th April. During this period, clubs across the game are celebrating a person who has been involved in one of the programmes funded by the Premier League, which are delivered at community venues and schools across the country.
As part of the campaign, the League is announcing two further investment packages, which will positively impact clubs at multiple levels, forming part of the £1.6 billion investment the Premier League has committed for wider football and communities between 2022 and 2025.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: "The Premier League is proud to provide world-leading financial support for football at every level, helping thousands of clubs to have a positive impact on their local community.
"Our wide-ranging investment supports an array of programmes within communities and the Premier League Supports campaign is an opportunity for clubs at all levels to celebrate the unsung heroes who help deliver or participate in this activity.
"The new funding announcements we are making highlight our commitment to deliver more support than ever before and will benefit the people and places that are the heartbeat of football up and down the country.
"The strength of the football pyramid in this country is unique and we will continue to look at new ways to support the entire game, directing funds where they are needed most."
Over the next two weeks, the Premier League will be showcasing the impact of its flagship community and education programmes, Premier League Primary Stars, Premier League Kicks and Premier League Inspires, as well as the programmes run through the Premier League and PFA Community Fund.
Investment for these programmes is distributed through the Premier League Charitable Fund, which is one of the biggest sport charities in the world. Grants are given to professional club community organisations across the Premier League, EFL and National League, helping them employ more than 6,200 people.
Annual investment into the Premier League Charitable Fund has more than tripled in a decade, with a three-year budget in excess of £100 million.
