Leeds Rhinos Women’s player Lois Forsell visited Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s recent In Touch Dementia Support group, which is held monthly at Emerald Headingley Stadium.
The meetings, run in partnership with Leeds City Council’s Peer Support Service, provide people living with dementia the opportunity to enjoy afternoons of sharing stories about their love of Rugby League.
Previous meetings have seen guest speakers including Gary Hetherington, Daryl Powell and Jamie Jones-Buchanan and the latest get together focussed on the growing women’s game.
Forsell spoke about her journey from playing with East Leeds aged seven to representing England and leading Leeds Rhinos Women to Challenge Cup victory in their first season.
The project is part of the charity’s health programme and has been a welcome provision for people in Leeds, with 30 people regularly attending, including former Rugby League players.
Laura Buckle, health improvement officer at Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: “The group gives the opportunity for people living with dementia to have some respite from their day to day lives and speak with peers and talk about their shared passion, Rugby League.
“We get really good engagement from all attendees and their families who get the chance to see their loved ones enjoying themselves and interacting with others. We have had some great guest speakers and later this year Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peacock will be coming along to a session.
“The afternoon with Lois was really popular and allowed people to learn about the history of the women’s game, her journey in Rugby League and how she is helping inspire the next generation of players through her role with Leeds Rhinos Foundation.”
Following the monthly meeting the group then enjoyed a day at the stadium watching Yorkshire Carnegie take on Doncaster in the Greene King IPA Championship. They were invited by Yorkshire business Chameleon Technology.
For more information on the In Touch group email health@leedsrhinosfoundation.org