Since 1988, Everton’s official charity, Everton in the Community has been serving the Merseyside community through its life-saving work.

During that time, the charity has celebrated a number of notable ‘firsts’ – from being the first Premier League Club to address mental health with a dedicated programme, to being the first Club to host a GP on its premises.

As the charity marks 35-years since it first began operating in a converted house close to Goodison Park, Evertonians can enjoy a special edition of the Official Everton Podcast as we celebrate the award-winning Everton in the Community.

Hosted by Darren Griffiths and featuring guests, Men's Club Captain, Seamus Coleman, Everton in the Community’s CEO Sue Gregory, and long-serving member of staff, Michael King, the podcast provides listeners with an insight into the charity’s everyday impact in the community.

"We’ve been doing it [getting involved in Everton in the Community] for years and I’ve heard stories from numerous Everton in the Community participants, male and female some really tough stories over the years, who are not necessarily over the worst of it but are coping and Everton in the Community is playing a massive part in that," Coleman said on the podcast.

"Since I’ve been at the Club, being part of Everton in the Community has always gone hand-in-hand. You’d be asked to do something and slowly but surely you’d understand what it is all about. It’s so important to go out and see who needs help in all different types of ways, and when you’re there you really do realise the difference you make.

"I often talk about this and I’m not sure who came up with the slogan, but it doesn’t just change lives, it saves lives."

We also hear from a member of staff whose journey started at Everton in the Community 17-years ago, whilst CEO Sue Gregory also explains how a £1 donation to Everton in the Community generates £29.86 of impact to support the local community and economy.