Leeds Rhinos Foundation outline plans to support community in face of coronavirus pandemic

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The focus of delivery is changing for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, as they seek to offer their specialist services where it is most needed in the city and surrounds in response to the continuing COVID-19 public health emergency.

With the charity’s normal day-to-day delivery put on hold in line with the latest UK Government and Public Health guidelines, the Foundation is mobilising its entire staff to the disposal of those in need, with a particular focus on supporting the city’s schools and their provision for the offspring of key workers and vulnerable children.

Bob Bowman QPM, Chief Operating Officer of Leeds Rhinos Foundation commented: “The rationale behind this decision is to ease the pressure on the already stretched resources of many schools and ensure that we utilise our skill-sets to the maximum benefit of the community – with the ultimate aim being to support the efficiency and capacity of our National Health Service.

“Our predominantly young, robust workforce offer a broad range of qualifications and engage in regular delivery to young people ranging from multi-sports and dance teaching to motivational classroom assemblies.”

More detail can be seen in an interview with Bob at the following link: https://youtu.be/i5YfyO94fDE.

Among the offer from Leeds Rhinos Foundation is; delivering physical activity and sports classes, supporting teachers with educational content and organisational duties, and alternative classroom work – including healthy living and wellbeing lessons.

In addition, Foundation staff will be making phone calls to vulnerable and elderly participants in such as their dementia and active beyond cancer programmes, to check-in on them and offer a friendly, re-assuring voice to ensure that they do not feel isolated during this difficult period.

The charity will also be sharing nutritional advice from its team of health experts and exploring how to make other related resources available on-line, in order to help people stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst under advice to stay at home.

Phil Caplan, Chair of Leeds Rhinos Foundation added: “The board of trustees, senior management team and staff of the foundation are absolutely committed to do all that we can in these unparalleled times, especially for so many vulnerable people.

“We are at their disposal, offering as much specialist help, guidance, advice and practical support as possible.

“Rugby League, and the pro-active foundations that run alongside the sport, are deep-rooted in community – they are our raison d’etre – and whilst this is a time of great uncertainty and concern, we want them to know that we will do everything we can to help and try to ease the burden.”

Leeds Rhinos Foundation will continue to work in-line with the latest government policy and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure sure that its staff are fit and able during this period.

If you feel the services of Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s team would be beneficial for your school, please contact Head of Community & Engagement, Gareth Cook on gareth.cook@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.

Likewise, if you are a community group or alternative service provider who is interested in receiving our support, please contact Head of Partnerships & Development, Dan Busfield on dan.busfield@Leedsrhinosfoundation.org.

For more information, or general enquiries on Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s operations, please contact Chief Operating Officer, Bob Bowman on bob.bowman@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.

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