A World Of Inclusion - Life changing adventures in Rugby League

Episode 3 - A World Of Opportunity

In the final episode of Community Integrated Care’s Podcast ‘A World Of Inclusion’, host Ross Fiddes (BBC / Viaplay Sports) is joined by Community Integrated Care Sports Inclusion Communications Manager, Lewis Webster, his colleague Autism Expert Practitioner, Denise Kennedy, players from teams across the Learning Disability Super League and members of the Inclusive Volunteering Programme. Ross and Lewis talk through the once in a lifetime moments and memories that are being created through the Learning Disability Super League on and off the pitch, and how this special relationship with the sport is going from strength to strength. The episode gives an insight into the opportunities lived by the players from their perspective, and how the charity works hard to ensure the best training available for coaches, with person-centred practises and access to autism simulators. Live from St James’ Park for Magic Weekend, Ross interviews players ready to take the pitch who are filled with anticipation and nerves, excited to take their moment in front of thousands. The episode ends with an incredible insight into the moment Inclusive Volunteers found out they would get the opportunity to spend quality time with HRH The Princess Of Wales, and how this world first programme is leaving a lasting legacy in our communities to this day.

Episode 2 - A World Of Creativity

In the second episode of Community Integrated Care’s Podcast ‘A World Of Inclusion’, host Ross Fiddes (BBC / Viaplay Sports) is joined by Community Integrated Care Sports Inclusion Lead, Kurtis Marsh, his colleague Kelly Daley, and members of the Inclusive Volunteering Programme, AJ, Matt and Kenzie. Ross and Kurtis talk through how the charity has used creativity through the programme, with Kurtis explaining the importance of a life that is fun, vibrant and fulfilling. Kurtis mentions how structure and enthusiasm can spark a range of opportunities for people who access care and support. From exploring interests, to the chance of developing life skills in a particular field, Kurtis breaks down how the charity are helping people to realise their potential, and how creativity is ultimately a catalyst for confidence. The episode then follows AJ, a young teenager with autism who aspires to be a rapper and dreamt of making his own song. Through the Inclusive Volunteering Programme, the charity encouraged AJ to explore his passion, supporting with connecting AJ to renowned producer Nutty P, and even booking AJ a recording studio experience. Gav shares his experiences of lighting up St James’ Park fan zone with his performance at the Magic Weekend, living his dreams as a DJ after years of practising his hobby at home. Matt and Kenzie touch on their new-found self-belief through discovering a passion for photography and media, with the duo sharing an insight into their volunteering journeys and how this has led them on paths to follow their dreams. With a final preview of AJ’s song, which debuted at Old Trafford during the World Cup Tournament, this episode is not to be missed.

Episode 1 - A World Of Inclusion

In the first episode of Community Integrated Care’s Podcast ‘A World Of Inclusion’, host Ross Fiddes (BBC / Viaplay Sports UK) is joined by Community Integrated Care Director of Partnerships and Communities, John Hughes, his colleagues Kelly Daley, Ben Berry, Kurtis Marsh, and Oliver Thomason, members of the Sports Business Awards 2023 (SBA23) winning Inclusive Volunteering Programme, and England Rugby League Captain, Jodie Cunningham. Ross and John talk about the recently crowned SBA23 'Best Sports Community Scheme' Inclusive Volunteering Programme, which was created by the social care charity, Community Integrated Care. John explains the inequalities in society faced by people who access social care, who are often overlooked and unseen, not given the help or opportunities to explore their talents. John shares how the charity worked with the RLWC2021 to give people a platform to find and fulfil their potential, with skills and moments that last a lifetime. Inclusive Volunteers, James and Ben share an insight into the Advisory Group that was formed, where people with lived experiences of having a learning disability played key roles in making the RLWC2021 event more accessible by advising Tournament organisers. Aaron talks through his pride at being a model for the World Cup Finals tickets and his love for Bradford Bulls, while Oliver Thomason gives and insight into his role as the official RLWC2021 Inclusion Ambassador and how he’s helping to support other people with learning disabilities to be more active in their communities. Jodie Cunningham talks of her pride at being involved in numerous projects with the charity in the build up to the event, including the primary school education campaign ‘We’re On The Same Team’, which is educating thousands of young learners to see the best in everyone.