The life-changing programmes for people with learning disabilities delivered by Pompey in the Community – the official charity of Portsmouth FC – were celebrated in Parliament (Thursday, June 20) for National Learning Disability Week.
Clare Martin, CEO of Pompey In The Community Trust, presented at Sport You Can, a national event celebrating the best examples of sport in learning disability settings.
At the event, she showcased the club’s incredible partnership with the national social care charity Community Integrated Care and the success of their adult learning disability team.
Community Integrated Care is one of Britain’s biggest and most successful social care charities and a major care provider in Portsmouth.
The charity teamed up with the club last season to commission weekly accessible sports and activity sessions for people with learning disabilities and autism, and special matchday experiences.
Community Integrated Care have also supported the ongoing growth and success of the club’s learning disability football provision.
At the House of Commons event, lead figures at Community Integrated Care hailed the values and commitment of Pompey in the Community.
National Learning Disability Week runs from June 17-23 and this year celebrates ‘sport and inclusion’. The Sport You Can conference was developed by Harrow Mencap, in collaboration with Community Integrated Care, A Level Playing Field, Sport England, Portsmouth FC and International Mixed-Ability Sport.
Our @PompeyITC partnership was celebrated at the #SportsYouCan @UKParliament event yesterday 🙌
— Community Integrated (@ComIntCare) June 21, 2019
Amazing to hear about the club’s inclusive community initiatives 👏
Read about the event 👉 https://t.co/8HeRyRBnkr
🎥 Watch & learn about our @Pompey partnership👇 @EFL #LDWeek19 pic.twitter.com/SZhWeIiCiP
Clare said: "It was an honour to present at such a prestigious and inspirational event, showcasing Pompey in the Community’s commitment to inclusion for people with learning disabilities.
"We have been thrilled to work in partnership with Community Integrated Care to develop several innovative opportunities that promote health, happiness and inclusion.
"Pompey in the Community are excited to see this partnership grow and develop in the seasons ahead."
Kristie Burberry, regional manager for Community Integrated Care in the south of England, added: "We were delighted to engage Pompey in the Community at this important event.
"The charity, and the club as a whole, have demonstrated a genuine commitment to changing lives through sport. It was only right that the quality of their work and this partnership was celebrated on this national stage, in front of leaders in the sport and care sectors.
"It is an priviledge for us to work with the current Checkatrade Community Club of the Year and we are committed to strengthening this partnership in the seasons ahead."