Westward Care teams up with Leeds Rhinos Foundation

Westward Care, one of Leeds’ leading care provider for older people and Leeds Rhinos Foundation have launched a partnership to bring generations together, support healthy ageing and create new experiences for older people and care staff across Leeds.

Built around the two organisations shared values, the partnership connects the community spirit of rugby league with Westward Care’s commitment to helping older people live well. It also brings Westward Care’s LOVE values of trust, kindness, respect and teamwork into new activities and relationships.

Plans for the year ahead include exploring sporting memories and rugby heritage sessions, opportunities for residents to meet younger players and local clubs, and activities and projects focused on movement, mobility, wellbeing and nutrition. The programme will develop around residents’ interests, with opportunities to recognise and celebrate Westward Care colleagues.

Peter Hodkinson, Managing Director of Westward Care, said: “Rugby league has a special place in the life of Leeds, and many of our residents have their own memories and connections with the sport. This partnership gives us a wonderful opportunity to build on those connections and create new ones.

“We want residents to enjoy experiences that matter to them, our colleagues to feel recognised, and our homes to build stronger relationships with the communities around them. Trust, kindness, respect and teamwork are at the heart of our LOVE (Living our Values Everyday) programme, and this partnership is a practical way to bring those values to life.”

Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, CEO or Leeds Rhinos said: “I am delighted to see this partnership between Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Westward Care come together.  What excites me about it is the chance to bring different generations together. Older people have so much experience and so many stories to share and rugby league can help start those conversations and build lasting friendships.

“The values that make a strong team also matter in the way we look after one another. By working with Westward Care, Leeds Rhinos Foundation can explore new ways to help people stay connected, enjoy being active and feel part of the wider Leeds community.”

The partnership is being launched at AMT Headingley Stadium on 12 November, bringing together senior managers and colleagues from across Westward Care to help shape the programme.