AFC Bournemouth and Care South celebrated cementing their seventh season in partnership, with the appointment of defender Jack Simpson as the new ambassador.
The partnership between the club’s Community Sports Trust and the not-for-profit care provider will support residents in Care South’s 12 residential and dementia care homes, as well as its staff and care-at-home clients, with a variety of enriching activities and social events.
In previous seasons, this has included various games adapted for residents who are less mobile, reminiscing over historical moments with club memorabilia, meeting players, enjoying coffee mornings and visiting Vitality Stadium.
This season will involve slightly different activities due to the current Covid-19 restrictions. There will be virtual activity sessions for residents take part in, as well as weekly calls to groups and individual residents carried out by the club’s trained community coaches, both of which aim to improve physical and emotional health and fitness, as well as promote social interaction.
Simon Bird, Care South chief executive, said: “This very special partnership with AFC Bournemouth is one that we really cherish. We’re delighted to be renewing the partnership again.
"It speaks volumes for the strength of our relationship with the club that despite the challenges presented by Covid-19, we have been able to continue our partnership – albeit in a slightly different manner – and ensure our residents, clients and staff don’t miss out on the fun and social events that they have enjoyed so much over so many years.
“I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to Jack Simpson as our new player ambassador and look forward to meeting him when restrictions permit!”
Amy Marks, partnerships manager at AFC Bournemouth, added: “The club have worked alongside Care South for a number of years and it’s a partnership we truly value and appreciate.
“In the difficult recent times, more than ever we have seen how our work together can greatly help the residents across the region, especially with the fun and laughter all the activities the Community Sports Trust promote.”
Care South is a leading provider of residential and dementia care homes, as well as care at home services, across the south of England.
They are a registered charity with care homes in Dorset, North Devon, Somerset and West Sussex, along with care at home teams covering Bournemouth, Bath and Somerset. For more information or to find the nearest care home to you, visit www.care-south.co.uk.
