Medequip partners with Rotherham sports trust as part of its national community engagement programme
Community equipment supplier Medequip has announced a new partnership with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust (RUCST) for the 2023-2024 season as part of its strategy to give back to the areas where the company is commissioned to provide community equipment services designed to keep people independent in their own homes.
Partnering with charitable trusts such as RUCST, the charitable arm of Rotherham United Football Club, is an important part of Medequip’s national community engagement programme.
Working across the borough, the Trust delivers a range of initiatives in the heart of Rotherham communities, focused around education, participation in sport, health, wellbeing and inclusion.
Partnership with RUCST is a natural link for Medequip, providers of the Rotherham Integrated Equipment & Wheelchair Service (REWS) on behalf of NHS South Yorkshire and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, as well as the Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service Sheffield (ICELSS) on behalf of NHS South Yorkshire and Sheffield City Council.
In Rotherham, funding from Medequip as part of the partnership will help to support the lives of older people living in care homes and sheltered housing, as well as supporting those living with disabilities and mental health issues. With Medequip’s help, the Trust’s Health and Wellbeing team will be able to further develop the provision of low-level physical activity in care homes and sheltered housing, playing an important role in keeping people more active and healthy.
Medequip will also be funding football equipment for the Trust’s disability football provision, as well as offering apprenticeships, work experience and placement opportunities for RUCST participants and students.
In return, Medequip will receive a range of exclusive opportunities including the chance to host a charity football tournament at the RUCST Parkgate Astro and attendance at RUFC home games throughout the season to promote the organisation and the services provided.
Colan Leung, Health and Wellbeing Manager at RUCST, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with an organisation that aligns with our vision to help make a real difference to the people within our community.
“Over the last few years, we have worked with more than 12 care homes and sheltered housing facilities in Rotherham to provide different kinds of sessions and now, thanks to our partnership with Medequip we can deliver even more tailored activities, to even more people across Rotherham. By partnering with organisations like Medequip who already support the people of Rotherham, it helps us to create a bigger impact in the community.
Martyn Rowntree, Operations Manager at Medequip, said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Community Trust to bring forth a range of local initiatives in Rotherham. At Medequip, we believe in identifying and supporting local organisations where we can make a significant impact, both through financial assistance and event volunteering.
“Our sponsorship initiatives are an integral part of our national community engagement and co-production commitments, and we are proud to be working alongside RUCST to contribute to their community activities. This partnership highlights our commitment to making a positive impact in the local area and reinforces our dedication to being an active and responsible business.”
Medequip recently announced that it was partnering with Healthwatch North Yorkshire to research how users view the community equipment services. The organisation was also recently awarded a contract with Norfolk County Council to provide Integrated Community Services (ICES) across Norfolk and Waveney, using electric vans, an energy-efficient depot and high rates of equipment re-use to reduce carbon emissions.
