Expanding Community Health Support in Leeds
Flutter has announced a one-year extension of its partnership with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, increasing its financial commitment from £25,000 to £36,000. This increased funding will allow the official charity of the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League to maintain vital services for individuals with long-term health conditions while introducing a brand-new health and wellbeing initiative for adults.
Last year, funding shortages threatened to disrupt these specialist support services and physical activity programmes. However, through the connection via Flutter-owned brand Sky Bet, a key sponsor of the NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball team, Flutter stepped in as an employer of over 1,700 people in Leeds to sustain the foundation’s operations.
Funded Programmes and Participant Impact
Through the renewed partnership, the Leeds Rhinos Foundation will support 180 participants across five specialized programmes:
- Motivate: A 12-week rheumatoid arthritis support and education program endorsed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals’ Rheumatology Department.
- Parkinson’s Physical Activity Programme: A weekly initiative helping participants maintain activity levels, combining physical exercise with cognitive engagement and camaraderie.
- In Touch Dementia Support Group: Monthly sessions offering advice and social connection for individuals living with dementia and their families.
- Reminiscence Café: Weekly dementia-friendly gatherings focused on peer support and conversation.
- Try Club: A new free 12-week weight management program combining classroom education with physical activity sessions on the pitch.
Program participant Hugh Robinson, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2019, noted the profound impact of the sessions: “It’s physical exercise, but it’s also linked into cognitive exercise where you’re thinking… and it’s also the camaraderie, the teamwork and the social aspect.”
Executive Perspectives
Dan Busfield, Head of Partnerships and Development at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, stated:
“We are incredibly grateful to Flutter for extending their partnership with us for another year and increasing their investment in our community health programmes. Quite simply, these services would not be possible without their support.”
Paul McCormick, Chief Technology Officer at Flutter International and senior business sponsor for charity initiatives in Leeds, added:
“As the home of Flutter’s largest UK offices, Leeds is a city that is incredibly important to our business and our colleagues. Supporting programmes that make a tangible difference to people’s lives in the communities where our teams live and work is a key part of our commitment to creating positive impact locally.”
