Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Community Integrated Care came together to host a special sports and social event for people supported by the national social care charity.
The event marked a relaunch of the partnership between Community Integrated Care, who are the current Charity Times Charity of the Year, and Leeds Rhinos’ charitable Foundation.
Giving participants the chance to enjoy fun and accessible activities- as well as meet club mascot Ronnie the Rhino- the celebration set the scene perfectly for what is bound to be an exciting year of activity between the two charities.
Community Integrated Care is one of Britain’s biggest and most successful social care charities. Across Leeds and the wider Yorkshire communities, they support hundreds of people who have learning disabilities, autism and mental health concerns to lead full and happy lives.
The care charity has commissioned Leeds Rhinos Foundation to deliver weekly multi-sports and social sessions. These are purpose designed to promote health, happiness and social connections, whilst creating unforgettable moments for participants. Colleagues and people who are supported by Community Integrated Care will also enjoy some exclusive Leeds Rhinos experiences in 2020, including being part of special Betfred Super League matchday activities.
This partnership follows Community Integrated Care’s success in developing the ground-breaking ‘Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League’ and its role as the Official Social Care Partner of the RFL and Super League. The Learning Disability Super League has been proudly championed by Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who were founding members of the programme and have created a thriving team with more than 20 players living out their sporting dreams.
Viki Whelan, Head of Operations for Community Integrated Care in the North East and Yorkshire, said: “We were thrilled with the success of this celebration day, which brought together more than thirty people from our local services.
“It was wonderful to see how much fun they had enjoying accessible activities together, with the support of the fantastic team at Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
“We are excited to see these programmes grow over the year ahead, and to enjoy special training and matchday experiences with the club too. On behalf of Community Integrated Care, I’d like to thank Ben Berry, Gareth Cook and the rest of the Foundation team for their hard work in creating such a great event.”
Ben Berry, Disability Co-ordinator for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, added: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Community Integrated Care and launch an exciting new programme of activity for the people they support. The sessions will be a fun, inclusive way for participants to get involved with sport, increase their confidence and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
“As with the Learning Disability Super League, this special collaboration gives us the chance to provide more life changing opportunities and treasured memories they will never forget.
“Seeing the smiles on their faces at the launch event was special and I’m sure the sessions will be a brilliant experience for all involved.”
For more information on Community Integrated Care’s services, please visit www.c-i-c.co.uk.