AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust has kicked off another season of footballing activities for residents in Care South’s local care homes – albeit over Zoom.
The team delivered their first virtual session last week, with residents at Queensmead care home in Christchurch and Maiden Castle House in Dorchester getting involved.
Care South, who are currently in their seventh season of partnership with the club, is a leading not-for-profit charity delivering person-centred care in residential and dementia care homes across Dorset and the wider south coast.
The call was a chance to reconnect with the residents, bring some fun to the homes and make residents, who have missed not being able to attend games at Vitality Stadium, feel closer to the club.
Additionally, the session featured a personalised video message from Jack Wilshere, the club’s new project ambassador, and our team of community coaches will also be making weekly calls to the residents to improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Following the activities, Simon Bird chief executive of Care South, said: “The seventh year of our much treasured partnership with AFC Bournemouth has been by far our most challenging yet.
“We are so grateful to Steve Cuss and his team at the Community Sports Trust in making sure that our residents still have their weekly sessions, combining fun, reminiscence and exercise, broadcasting live over Zoom into the lounges of all Care South’s care homes.
“Also, a warm welcome to our new project ambassador Jack Wilshere – I know that many of our residents are fans, and very much looking forward to meeting him.”
Steve Cuss, head of community at AFC Bournemouth, also commented: “We are delighted to be able to see everyone again at Care South through the adapted online visits.
“We are looking forward to enjoying the football and social aspects of the sessions as we have missed the engagement with all the residents and staff at the homes.
“It will be great to share this time with everyone until we are able to be with them in person.”
