We welcome a new Ambassador

We are delighted to announce the appointment of television presenter Ross Fiddes as an ambassador!

Ross, who plays a key role in Premier Sports’ coverage of rugby league and has worked for the BBC and Channel 4, has been actively involved in our charity and our partnership with the Rugby League World Cup 2021, including the Inclusive Volunteering® media club, offering advice to members about working in the industry.

He has also helped to take the story of Community Integrated Care to a wider audience through his own media presence, particularly through the Learning Disability Super League, which was recently showcased at Magic Weekend at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

Ross Fiddes explained: “There are many reasons why I’m so honoured to be an ambassador for Community Integrated Care. Being someone who’s been involved in rugby league all of my life, it’s been special to have a role in helping others and giving them opportunities that they may not otherwise have had.

“My own sister has learning difficulties so I know how important the moments that Community Integrated Cares create for people are. Everybody deserves the same opportunities in life, and it’s really special to be a part of their work.

“To see the faces of young and old people in the Learning Disability Super League at Magic Weekend, going onto the pitch in one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, was so special. Being able to witness that was one of the best days of my life, so for the players involved, it must be off the scale for how it made them feel. They will talk about that for the rest of their lives, and that’s what Community Integrated Care’s work is all about – changing lives and creating impactful moments.

“Alongside that is the inclusive volunteering programme, which allows people to experience fantastic moments while providing them with a platform to go on and better their lives. I got to know Matt Price, who has picked up photography skills through Community Integrated Care’s media club, and he was out there on the St James’ Park pitch, taking professional photographs of Learning Disability Super League players and the fans in the stadium. There are volunteers that baked cakes for the Sky Sports production teams and those in corporate hospitality. It’s changing lives.

“I’ve been blown away by the talent that I’ve seen in Community Integrated Care’s inclusive volunteering media club. These are people that have had the talent but have never been given the opportunity. Some volunteers that I’ve interviewed for a podcast or a TV programme are better interviewers than me. When I speak to them about gaining experience they really take it on board and I’m sure they will go on and do amazing things in the future.”

John Hughes, our Director of Communities and Partnerships said: “We are delighted to have Ross on board as one of Community Integrated Care’s ambassadors. He understands from his own personal experience the importance of the work that we do in ensuring that everybody has the opportunity to live their best lives possible, and his work with our inclusive volunteering media club has been outstanding. We look forward to working with him on a number of projects in the future.”

Find out more about our Ambassadors here.