From Leeds to South Africa: how Trust volunteers are having a global impact

Welcoming visitors from the University of Pretoria to the Newsam Centre

A volunteer project to bring sports into our services has been under a more global spotlight this month as a group of delegates from a South African university have been in Leeds finding out more.

The Volunteer Sports Project, which is a partnership between our Trust Voluntary Services and the University of Leeds, piqued the interest of the group from the University of Pretoria, who’ve been in the city as part of a programme of shared learning between the universities.

One of the stops on their tour was to allow us to showcase the Newsam Centre, and introduce the work of the Voluntary Services Department and the success of the sports project, and the meaningful activities that our volunteers get involved with.

The sports project has been running at our Trust since 2019, with students from the University of Leeds giving their time to deliver sports activities to our service users. Its aim is to develop people’s skills, improve their health and wellbeing, and reduce social isolation. The project initially rolled out on Wards 2 and 3 at the Newsam Centre, with Wards 4 and PICU (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit) now added to the areas that the volunteers visit. Activities offered include basketball, football, interactive board games, table football and cardio wall.

The visit took place on Wednesday 16 October with guests given an overview of our Voluntary Services Department, how volunteers are recruited and placed within our Trust, and the success of the partnership with the University of Leeds. They were introduced to our services and some of the interventions we provide, which include the sports project.

In return, our colleagues were able to gain an insight into mental health care in Pretoria and some of the challenges faced when managing this in remote areas. Everyone attending was able to share ideas around innovative practice.

Following the visit, Dr Eugene Machimana, Head of Curricular Community Engagement, Department for Education, at the University of Pretoria, said:

“Thank you for the warm welcome to your centre. I truly appreciate the time you took to share the remarkable work you do. It was inspiring to witness your dedication and passion in caring for the inpatients. It’s evident that there is a strong, professional rapport between you and the patients.

“Keep up the excellent work.”

Page last updated: 25th Oct 2024 2:41pm