Leeds Rhinos Partnership Announced

Community Integrated Care is proud to have launched a partnership with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the official charity of Super League side Leeds Rhinos. The two organisations have teamed up to deliver a range of programmes that promote the health, happiness and wellbeing of people supported by Community Integrated Care, who have learning disabilities, autism and mental health concerns.

The new partnership will see Leeds Rhinos Foundation provide specialist accessible sports sessions, deliver a range of programmes that promote better health, and give people supported by the charity and its colleagues the opportunity to enjoy VIP experiences with Leeds Rhinos. The official launch saw 40 people from the charity enjoy a special VIP experience at Leeds Rhinos’ first home game of the season at Emerald Headingley Stadium. With a pre-game accessible sports session and a half-time lap of hour in front of thousands of supporters, the club provided an unforgettable day.

The partnership comes as part of a ground-breaking initiative between Community Integrated Care, the Betfred Super League and Rugby Football League, which has seen the charity become the new Official Social Care partner of the sport. At the heart of this partnership is the creation of the pioneering ‘Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League’, a world-first accessible rugby league programme, which is backed by 12 major clubs – including Leeds Rhinos.

Marc Brodie, Managing Director for Community Integrated Care, said “Leeds Rhinos and their charity Leeds Rhinos Foundation are renowned across the globe for their work, both on the field and in the community. It is a tremendous honour for our charity to work with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who were recognised at the 2018 Super League Man of Steel Awards as the Foundation of the Year for their incredible efforts. “This partnership will change lives, through promoting social inclusion, friendships, health and wellbeing. We are excited for what this means to the people we support and to see the partnership grow in the future.”

Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Leeds Rhinos forward, Trustee of Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Founding Ambassador for the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, said: “Having seen the impact of Community Integrated Care’s creation of the Learning Disability Super League, I am truly excited by this new partnership between the charity and Leeds Rhinos Foundation. Rugby League has always been a diverse and inclusive game and Leeds Rhinos have become a real hub at the heart of our community, seeking to “change lives through sport” through the work of Leeds Rhinos Foundation. This partnership is a perfect fit for our vision and aspirations. “I’m looking forward to supporting this special collaboration and meeting the people supported by the charity this season.”

Gareth Cook, Head of Community and Engagement for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Community Integrated Care to deliver the Learning Disability Super League programme across Leeds as well as physical activity and wellbeing sessions for people supported by the charity and their colleagues. Leeds Rhinos Foundation currently delivers a wide range of provision for both adults and children with learning and physical disabilities and this provides an inclusive pathway to represent this great club.”