People We Support Experience Wimbledon Magic

People who draw on social care across the UK experienced the excitement of The Championships, Wimbledon in a unique and powerful way, thanks to an innovative programme delivered by our charity supported by a grant from the LTA Tennis Foundation.

More than 25 of our care services across Britain took part in a one-of-a-kind creative online experience, introducing first-time fans to the magic of the sport and the iconic tournament.

The “Game, Set and Fun” Wimbledon experience blended physical and creative activities – enabling participants to imagine themselves playing and winning at SW19 – with inspiring messages and challenges from tennis heroes including legendary coach Judy Murray and three-time Wimbledon doubles winner Neal Skupski. Participants also explored the fundamentals of the sport through accessible insights shared by colleagues at the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), deepening their excitement and connection to the event.

Delivered through our www.What-To-Do.co.uk platform, this experience is part of Serving Inclusion – A Bold New Partnership Driving Social Change Through Tennis.

This initiative aims to empower people who draw on social care to enjoy playing, learning, working, volunteering, and connecting through tennis, by helping build a more inclusive and enabling tennis system.

The experience guided participants through a journey of discovery and empowerment. Following an uplifting video welcome from Judy Murray, attendees took part in a fun and accessible warm-up inspired by professional player routines. The session then shifted into a learning phase, with the LTA’s EDI Programme Manager for Disabled People, Matt Elkington, introducing the fundamentals of tennis and showcasing highlights from the tournament in an engaging Q&A.

With growing confidence and excitement, participants then had the chance to explore their communication skills through commentary – taking on a challenge set by legendary ESPN broadcaster Patrick McEnroe. Inspired by his video message, they provided live commentary over Andy Murray’s historic 2013 Wimbledon men’s triumph.

The session culminated in a powerful and imaginative closing activity. After a heartfelt video from Neal Skupski, reflecting on his Wimbledon memories and encouraging participants to begin their own tennis journeys, attendees took part in a role-play and movement activity simulating a Wimbledon final – celebrating their win with joy and pride.

Importantly, this experience served more than fun. All thirty participants expressed a real desire to watch, play, and connect with tennis in the future – demonstrating the lasting impact of this uniquely inclusive experience.

What To Do (www.What-To-Do.co.uk) has been created by us to deliver incredible free accessible experiences every week to people who draw on care and support that inspire dreams, build skills, and nurture relationships. It has been recognised as Initiative of the Year by Caring Times.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities, said: “Too often, people who draw on care and support are excluded from the joy and opportunities that sport and major events provide. Our Serving Inclusion partnership with the LTA Tennis Foundation aims to put British tennis at the forefront of tackling health, social, and economic inequalities and breaking this inequity.

This experience showcases the creativity and passion at the heart of our collaboration. We were thrilled to see so many participants express a new enthusiasm for tennis. Their confidence, excitement, and connection with the sport reflect the potential of this partnership. We are deeply grateful to the LTA Tennis Foundation and our colleagues at the LTA for supporting this vision.”

Matt Elkington, LTA’s EDI Programme Manager for Disabled People said: “This was our first event of its kind since COVID, and it marked an exciting step forward. While the LTA has explored similar sessions in the past, this one, led by Community Integrated Care, stood out for its creativity, engagement, and thoughtful design.”

“It was inspiring to see people supported by Community Integrated Care participating in tennis from their homes, supported by their teams. The event showed that tennis can be so much more than just playing the game – it included warm-ups inspired by tennis, opportunities to try out commentary, and even creating their own match-winning celebrations. I’m really excited about the potential of this kind of delivery and can’t wait to explore how we can make it even more accessible and affordable in the future.”

Sushma Majithia, who is supported by Community Integrated Care and employed by our charity as an expert by experience, said: “This was an amazing experience. I really loved finding out about Wimbledon and tennis. It has inspired me to watch the tournament on television and to go to the Lexus Nottingham Open next year. As someone who works to champion inclusion and opportunity for people who draw on social care, I think that the partnership between Community Integrated Care and the LTA Tennis Foundation is brilliant and will change lots of lives. I’m excited to discover more opportunities.”