28th November 2018: Teamwork Trust’s annual Christmas curling event was a huge success – providing even more inclusive sport opportunities for Northamptonshire vulnerable adults.

64 members – adults with mental health needs, learning and physical disabilities – from the charity’s Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough centres joined together to enjoy competitive festive fun at event at Beckworth’s Ice Emporium on Wednesday 28^th November.

Victoria Bell, Head of Development, Teamwork Trust said: “This was our fifth curling trip to Beckworth and it’s something our members look forward to all year round in the run up to Christmas as it is such fun. We are massive curling fans at Teamwork and even have our own indoor Kurling kit which was funded by Kettering Huxlowe Rotary Club for use in the centres, but to be able to play on ice is a real festive treat.

“Our members loved competing against the other centres and members of staff, making memories and getting into the Christmas spirit.”

A special thank you to Beckworth Emporium

Teamwork’s annual curling trip is made possible thanks to the welcoming team at Beckworth’s Ice Emporium.

22 year old Jack Bullock, a horticultural assistant who trained to help out with the curling during the winter months when the Ice Emporium is open, is a particular hit with members – so much so that Teamwork staff had specifically requested he was taken off other duties to assist again during the visit.

Jack said: “I don’t find working with adults with learning disabilities daunting in the slightest - I love building a rapport with participants and I love seeing how this sport can bring people together.

“This is the third year I have worked with Teamwork and I absolutely love it. It was fantastic to see familiar faces who remembered everything I had shown them last time, as well as some new members too, watching how engaged they all get and how eager they all are to learn new skills and improve year-on-year.”

Jack, who has an amazing ability to empathise and understand the needs of Teamwork’s adults, added: “Curling is an exciting and challenging team game with big health benefits in terms of increased physical activity and more social interaction and inclusion so it’s the perfect sport for Teamwork’s members. We had amazing fun again this year, like we always do, and the groups ended up scoring some really high games. I am so proud to have been a part of their journey.”

Teamwork’s Victoria said: “It is so rare for people to have the skills that Jack has – his ability to manage a huge group of vulnerable adults and still have the capacity to engage with each of them on an individual basis is really quite special.

“We are very grateful to Beckworth Emporium for facilitating our request to have Jack with us on the day. This level of support from a local business is great to see and means our members get more opportunities.”