Wakefield Trinity launched a pioneering new partnership with Community Integrated Care, offering a special VIP day to more than 80 people who are part of the national social care charity.

Wakefield Trinity Community Trust has teamed up with Community Integrated Care to deliver a host of initiatives that will improve the health, happiness and social inclusion of people supported by the charity.

Community Integrated Care is one of Britain’s biggest and most successful social care providers, supporting more than 3500 people who have learning disabilities, autism, mental health concerns and dementia. The charity is a major care provider in Wakefield and the surrounding communities.

To mark the new collaboration, people supported by the charity were invited to be part of a special celebration event at the Mobile Rocket Stadium, which was hosted by CEO, Michael Carter, Head Coach, Chris Chester, and Trust General Manager, Craig Shepherd. With the chance to spend time with Super League stars Danny Kirmond, Tom Johnstone and Danny Brough, a behind the scenes tour of the famous stadium, and a special activity session, the event offered an unforgettable experience to participants.

The new partnership will see Wakefield Trinity Foundation deliver regular activity and social sessions, and the creation of a special supporters’ club, for people who have learning disabilities and autism. It also offers people supported by the charity the chance to volunteer with the club and enjoy exclusive matchday experiences.

The partnership comes as part of a ground-breaking collaboration 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 Wakefield Trinity. Trinity made history in 2018 when they featured in the first ever Learning Disability Rugby League game.

The event also saw Trinity and England star, Tom Johnstone, sign up to be the club’s Official Ambassador for the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League.

Marc Brodie, Managing Director of Community Integrated Care, says: “We were astounded by the passion that Wakefield Trinity demonstrated in making this launch event as special as possible. It was an incredible experience for the people we support to meet their rugby league heroes, tour the stadium and enjoy some fun, accessible activities.

We have commissioned Wakefield Trinity because of their fantastic reputation in the local community and sport for promoting social inclusion. We know that this partnership will change lives and offer many special experiences for the people we support, not least with the chance to represent Trinity in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League.

On behalf of our charity, I would like to commend the staff and players at Wakefield Trinity for delivering such a special event. Special thanks must also be given to Wakefield Trinity Community Trust’s General Manager, Craig Shepherd, and Trinity’s CEO, Michael Carter, who have shown real passion for this collaboration since our very first meeting. We are excited for how far this can develop in the months and years ahead.”

Wakefield Trinity Community Trust General Manager, Craig Shepherd, said: “We care about our community and it’s important that we provide opportunities for as many people as we possibly can to play sport and be physically active. The partnership with Community Integrated Care raises aspirations and brings enjoyment to so many individuals, not just those participating. We are excited about where we can take this relationship in the future and I know that passion is equally shared. We can offer activity sessions, volunteering and even the opportunity to represent the famous Wakefield Trinity through our LDRL provision. We are proud to be partnered with Community Integrated Care and thank them for their incredible support.”

Wakefield Trinity winger, Tom Johnstone, says: “It was fantastic to meet the team from Community Integrated Care and to see how excited everyone was to be part of this launch event. It is incredible to see how Wakefield Trinity and rugby league can help change people’s lives, and I am sure that this partnership will be a real success.

I was delighted to be asked to represent the club as its Ambassador for the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League. Wakefield Trinity have led the way in supporting Learning Disability Rugby League and I am excited to see how our team will continue to progress in the future.”