COMMUNITY Integrated Care, one of the UK’s largest and most innovative social care charities, joined forces with British Cycling for a powerful day of creativity, connection and inclusion this July.
With a unique arts experience at Manchester’s National Cycling Centre and leaders from the sport visiting Community Integrated Care’s specialist services to discover social care, these experiences powerfully marked British Cycling’s mass day of social impact activity.
The day brought together people supported by Community Integrated Care, colleagues from both organisations, and British Cycling athletes and legends to co-create a series of symbolic artworks.
With members of British Cycling and Community Integrated Care working side by side, the artworks reflected the shared missions of the two organisations: enabling people to live the Best Life Possible and bringing the Joy of Cycling to everyone.
Blending brand colours and visual symbols of care and cycling, the artwork developed stands as a powerful metaphor for the ambitions of the growing partnership between the two organisations – one built on shared values of inclusion, opportunity and creativity.
The day was supported by senior leaders and teams from across both organisations, with Community Integrated Care’s CEO, Jim Kane, and British Cycling’s CEO, Jon Dutton, both joining in with the festivities. It was also attended by cycling legend Ed Clancy and British Cycling athletes Harry Ledingham-Horn, Hayden Norris, Josie Knight, Ali Fielding, Hamish Turnbull, Joe Truman, Edward Lowe and Megan Barker.
As part of the wider experience, senior officials from British Cycling also visited two of Community Integrated Care’s services in Greater Manchester – Somerset House and Griffin Lodge. During their visits, they spent quality time with colleagues and people supported by the charity – gaining insight into the lives and aspirations of people who draw on social care.
Developing understanding of the social care sector, and the impact of creativity and innovation in quality care, this experience has helped inspire fresh thinking for the long-term strategic partnership between the charity and sport.
John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said:
“This was an important step in what will become a major partnership. Today was all about building connections between our two communities and demonstrating a long-term commitment to social impact. The impact of the day was clear to see on the faces of colleagues and people we support alike – the joy, creativity and ambition sparked by this experience was palpable.
“British Cycling have shown a deep enthusiasm for standing with us in challenging inequalities and unlocking new opportunities. Through creativity and shared purpose, we’ve laid the foundations for a partnership that will inspire inclusion across both social care and sport. We’d like to say a huge thank you to the whole team at British Cycling for their work and for inviting us to be part of their mass day of social impact.”
Jon Dutton, CEO of British Cycling, said:
“We’re proud to partner with Community Integrated Care and to have hosted such a meaningful day as part of the launch of our Charitable Foundation. The day was really uplifting and inspiring, and we all learnt so much about the care sector and the importance of enabling fulfilling opportunities that are accessible for all.
“The creativity and enthusiasm that came through in the artworks, and the connections built between our riders, colleagues and the people supported by the charity, demonstrate the true power of collaboration. This partnership is just beginning – and we’re really excited about the change we can make together.”
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