In light of the current World Cup tournament, the sense of ‘unity’ and fair play is bought to light.
NHS Doncaster in partnership with Doncaster Conversation Club and Doncaster Rovers Foundation joined forces in an attempt to celebrate Refugee week as part of the National celebrations campaign.The Keepmoat Stadium provided the backdrop for the event which took place on Tuesday 17th June 2014.
The event was attended by clients of Doncaster Conversation Club who are predominantly Asylum Seekers and Refugees, fleeing violence or persecution in their country.
A range of soccer activities were delivered by Daryl, a volunteer community sports coach, who acquired his level 1 accreditation through accessing a Doncaster Rovers Foundation training programme.
A small range of NHS service providers, focusing on men’s health was also there to promote and raise awareness of their services, alongside a small crowd of onlookers.
The occasion also served as a platform for networking between representatives from Public Health, community advocates and health service providers.
Curtis Henry (Equalities & Patient Engagement Lead, NHS Doncaster CCG) describes the event as one which aimed to harness the ‘power’ of sport, and highlight the physical/ emotional benefits this may bring. Not only on our health or for our personal satisfaction, but as a vehicle which has potential to bring people together in a unified way.
The event aimed to embrace/ incorporate aspects of the following:
• Promote & celebrate refugee week to encourage aspects of community cohesion amongst different groups.
• Raise understanding of the benefits of engaging in physical activity as a way of maintaining good mental health & general wellbeing.
• Develop understanding of maintaining good health & raising awareness of different ‘health services and support available locally
• Address issues of isolation and loneliness for members of DCC client group.