JP Morgan has joined forces with the Cherries and a Bournemouth housing association for the kick-off of a scheme to help disadvantaged and vulnerable adults live independently.

Thirty-seven men and women booked onto the first week of the Bounce Back initiative.

It brings together JPMorgan Chase, AFC Bournemouth and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) to support people in achieving independent, sustained living with the help of classroom and practical learning.

Two AFC Bournemouth players are ambassadors for the project – Scottish international Ryan Christie from the men’s team and Jade Bradley from the women’s team.

Lottie Forte, in volunteering and community relations at JPMorgan Chase, said: “Individuals will have the opportunity to improve their quality of life and build their self-esteem.

“We hope they will acquire skills that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”

Steve Cuss, head of community at AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, said: “AFC Bournemouth is a progressive, forward-thinking club that unites the local community, and this is the latest in a huge number of projects which demonstrate that.

“The first part of the sessions is spent on education – helping to deliver personal development, physical and mental well-being, money management, healthy eating and lifestyles and considering what the next steps in life might look like.

“Then we go out onto the 3G training pitches at Vitality Stadium for a football session. We have provided shirts, shorts, trainers and boots for anyone who needs them – which remove some of the barriers that may have prevented participants playing before.

“The men’s and women’s players at the club have made donations and are very supportive of what we are doing. I want to stress this is a programme that is equally appropriate for men and women.”

Ryan Christie sent a welcome video which was shown at the first session, while Jane Bradley will make a personal appearance at a future session.

The outside gatherings will look to promote, fitness, team work and communication.

Val Jefferies, project manager for employability and skills at BCHA, said: “We are really excited about the benefits this Bounce Back initiative can deliver to so many people.

“Our team has put in a lot of effort to ensure the scheme was well promoted and made available to as wide a group as possible who fit the criteria for participation. I think it is fair to say the initial numbers are higher than we expected, which is extremely encouraging.”

For information on referrals for the scheme, contact Paige Hutchings at BCHA paigehutchings@bcha.org.uk. Other queries should go to community.relations.bournemouth@jpmorgan.com