https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2025/september/08/update--lifeline/

"The hugely successful Lifeline scheme is helping to elevate our performance infrastructure, with the latest donations helping to take our facilities to the next level.

This year, two generous donations totalling nearly £150,000 have been made. Around half of this amount is going towards the development of a high-performance gym at our Highfields training base.

Currently being constructed off-site after receiving planning permission, the gym will be a transformative addition. Chief executive Joe Palmer said: “The new gym will be a game-changer for us – a Premier-standard facility that will significantly enhance the team’s performance capabilities.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Lifeline’s support - and members can be assured that their contributions are being put to excellent use. We’re very excited about this project.”

The facility will support both performance and rehabilitation efforts. Palmer added: “It will allow us to be more effective with pre-training activation, ensuring players are properly warmed up, building load and stability into their muscles, helping prevent injuries and enabling more effective training.”

Last season, Lifeline funding enabled the installation of handrails in the Derek Pavis Stand, and a further £12,000 contribution will complete that project.

The remaining funds from this year’s donations have supported the creation of safe standing areas in the Kop and Jimmy Sirrel Stand, and have kickstarted a programme to replace all 36 turnstiles around the stadium – many of which are now failing. Lifeline has funded the first six replacements, ensuring smoother matchday entry for fans in key areas.

With this year’s contributions, Lifeline’s total donations to Notts County have surpassed £4 million since its launch in 1986.

Palmer added: “That’s a remarkable achievement and highlights the vital role Lifeline has played in our club over the years.

Members should take great pride in their contributions – we thank them sincerely for their loyal support and hope it continues for many years to come.”

A lot has been posted recently on here about the club spending money on infrastructure rather than players, so some fans will be pleased to hear the Lifeline funds some of that so it doesn’t affect the player budget. So if you want to make a difference join lifeline.

Join Lifeline – limited spaces available

A limited number of vacancies have arisen for supporters to join Lifeline. To take advantage of this rare opportunity, or to find out more, please email [email protected], call 0115 955 7200 or visit our club shop.

Edited September 9Sep 9 by Fan of Big Tone
I’ve merged my topic with Robbie’s and taken out duplicate text, I didn’t realise Robbie had posted the same thing.

Those complaining about the infrastructure are short-minded fans who want Notts to live in the stone ages and never be in a position to match more elite clubs that don’t have to worry about the facilities they have because they are state of the art. Every season we would fall further and further behind; nobody ever complains about the pitches, work and they shouldn’t - other areas. It’s just excuses to complain and something to argue is holding us back, when it allows Notts to move forward.

Whoever decides what the Lifeline money goes on always seems to get it right in my book. Good common sense investments that speak for themselves. Good to hear from Joe Palmer as well.

It’s worth knowing that you can join a waiting list to become a Lifeline member. As of 2023, all places have been taken.

Interest in the scheme went up during COVID, which helped bring the membership back to its full limit of 2,500 people. I’m not sure if that limit is due to gambling laws, small lottery rules, or just what the club finds easiest to manage.

They might look into raising the cap by another 500, if it’s allowed.

The Lifeline initiative continues to impress with how it’s shaping the future of Notts County. Investing in the high-performance gym is a remarkable step forward, bringing facilities up to higher standards. This is exactly the sort of foundation we need to build upon if we’re going to remain competitive in the league. It shows the club’s commitment to not just present success, but long-term development, both for the players' fitness and the supporters’ matchday experience.

The impact of the Lifeline’s initiatives goes beyond financial contributions. it’s about community and ensuring Notts County remains competitive both on and off the pitch.

Enhancements like the high-performance gym are game-changers, giving our players the tools needed to excel. Fans can appreciate smoother matchday entries with updated turnstiles, highlights of the club’s dedication to improving fan experiences. Equally impressive is Lifeline's proven legacy in enriching the club's infrastructure, a testament to what passionate support can achieve.

It’s good to know that every contribution, big or small, collectively drives the club forward.

Big shock a few games ago when everyone near me thought I had won £100. I swear, it was announced as £200, though the amount in the entries put up on the OS says £100. I thought it said the same this past week when I heard a familiar name that had reached out to me via email.

I tried to join Lifeline back in the day, but I found myself unable, as the limit was in place and no waiting list was available. 😔

I do think it's a very important part of the community around Notts, and those 2,500 fans are amazing people who offer a lot of security and improvements when it comes to it. I also think Lynn Lawson does a great job managing it; if anyone has ever been to a Lifeline event, you will have seen this with your own eyes. It's such an important part of our club's DNA.

@Chris I remember hearing your name on the tannoy, I knew it wasn't you though because you’ve said before you aren’t a member.

I joined almost from the outset and when I was made redundant in the 90s I cancelled it as I was out of work for a while, however when I got employment again I rejoined, I have had a couple of wins during my time as a member but more importantly it’s a way of supporting the club, I’m so pleased to hear of the projects that it has funded.

The new gym sounds fantastic! It’s great to see the Lifeline funds being used so wisely. Can't wait to see the benefits on the pitch!

5 hours ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

A lot has been posted recently on here about the club spending money on infrastructure rather than players, so some fans will be pleased to hear the Lifeline funds some of that so it doesn’t affect the player budget. So if you want to make a difference join lifeline.

Join Lifeline – limited spaces available

A limited number of vacancies have arisen for supporters to join Lifeline. To take advantage of this rare opportunity, or to find out more, please email [email protected], call 0115 955 7200 or visit our club shop.

Joining Lifeline seems like a no-brainer. Contributions like these ensure our club’s future.

The investment in new turnstiles is long overdue. Excited for smoother entries on matchdays!

Great to hear about the safe standing areas, things like that really help make matchdays more enjoyable for fans. It’s also encouraging to see the club investing in infrastructure. Our players deserve the best possible facilities to support their performance and development.

Joe Palmer’s words resonate with the pride we all feel as Lifeline members. Knowing that our support funds Premier-standard facilities reinforces the tangible impact of our commitment to Notts. The gym and improvements like safe standing areas prove that our club is progressing, preparing players optimally while respecting fans' experiences at Meadow Lane.

It's initiatives like these that create a more dynamic, enjoyable environment, attracting more fans to games and new members to Lifeline itself. Let’s keep this momentum, ensuring the foundations we lay today serve every purpose possible for seasons ahead.

22 minutes ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

@Chris I remember hearing your name on the tannoy, I knew it wasn't you though because you’ve said before you aren’t a member.

Ha! The location if you caught it, would also be another identifier because it wasn't where I live. Quite funny how people thought it was me, even people who know and are aware I am from Aspley.

Investing in infrastructure doesn't always generate immediate excitement, but it's vital for our club's health. The new gym is more than just a facility, it's a commitment to our players' well-being and our future success. Lifeline's funding choices, including upgraded turnstiles and new standing areas, ensure that Notts offers an excellent matchday atmosphere and cutting-edge resources for athletes. We should all take pride knowing these enhancements are driven by our contributions, collectively supporting positive, lasting change that keeps us competitive and ensures our beloved club remains a great place for both players and supporters.

It's amazing how Lifeline has raised over £4 million since 1986!

Knowing how these funds are shaping the future of Notts County fills me with pride. This year’s focus on creating a high-performance gym matches what elite clubs would aim for, putting our players in the best position for performance enhancement.

Additionally, improving matchday experiences with safe standing and updated turnstiles reflects ongoing commitment towards both athletes and fans. More than just infrastructure, these upgrades testify to the club’s ambition and the steadfast dedication of the Lifeline supporters to ensure its continued success.

I think it is great that the members of Lifeline are helping to finance improvements at the club, whether it be infrastructure such as new turnstiles, or the safe standing area to a state of the heart gym.

Lifeline has been a special part of the club for decades & the fact that millions of pounds has been raised by it is truly amazing.

When I’m old enough to gamble, I hope there’s still space for me to join Lifeline. If we keep getting more fans and the club keeps doing well, then Lifeline should stay strong. I think it’s great that Lifeline helps the club get better. It started to save Notts when things were really bad, and now it’s doing a brilliant job.

It makes me happy knowing there’s something like that helping the team. I’d love to be part of it one day.

Lifeline has always been key to helping the club do things that might not be possible otherwise. It’s worth every bit of support. For those who can’t join, I believe there’s still a way to donate and help out. Every contribution makes a difference.

love reading the comments about what lifeline means to people and what good it has done, i know it was started up to help the club operate if it was ever in need of money and that it has countless times helped with that but it is nice when owners are investing, that the money can be used to improve outdated or much needed areas.

I too, joined at the outset @Fan of Big Tone

I won £1,000 within the first year, a 50/50 maybe 15 years or so back and that's about it!

The new hand rails in the Pavis are appreciated. A necessary safety measure with our increased crowds in recent years