St Helens resident John Paul Derbyshire had the experience of a lifetime last weekend when he met HRH The Princess of Wales.

The Princess celebrated the impact of people supported by the social care charity Community Integrated Care who have shared their talents and passions by volunteering with the Rugby League World Cup 2021.

The Princess met John and other members of the charity’s pioneering Inclusive Volunteering Programme, which is being delivered in partnership with the tournament, at a special reception at England men’s and women’s double header fixture at the DW Stadium on Saturday, November 5.

Thanking them for their inspiring contribution to the tournament and all that they have done for their communities, the special recognition was described as “a dream come true” by the volunteers.

Each volunteer gifted the Princess of Wales with a special item, created by the volunteers, which represented some of programmes that the programmes that have participated in.

St Helens Star:

The Princess of Wales commended the creative talents of volunteers including John, having been gifted hand-made soaps and special artworks that celebrate Community Integrated Care’s mission of enabling people to live the ‘Best Life Possible’.

Community Integrated Care has partnered with the Rugby League World Cup 2021 to create a ground-breaking programme which has given more than 350 people who have support needs, such as learning disabilities, autism and mental health concerns, the platform to grow in independence, discover new passions and make friends through volunteering.

With the volunteers participating in unique projects that are designed around their personal dreams and aspirations, and receiving specialist mentoring and support via the charity’s Inclusive Volunteering team, it represents a unique model of changing lives through sport.

The Princess was welcomed by Community Integrated Care’s director of partnerships and communities, John Hughes, and Kurtis Marsh, inclusive volunteering specialist, who explained to the Princess how the ground-breaking partnership between the charity and sport is promoting a more inclusive and enabling society.

Community Integrated Care’s Hughes explained: “This experience was a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment for our volunteers and colleagues. After more than two years of dedicated volunteering and the delivery of this programme, the opportunity to share our story with Princess of Wales was a real honour.

“The Princess was deeply engaged in the conversations with our guests, sharing her support for the impact that Community Integrated Care is making in the sport and in the wider community with Inclusive Volunteering. We were delighted to hear her encouragement of our efforts to tackle bullying and discrimination through our campaigning and education work, and her interest in our many social impact projects – from building a Rugby League World Cup 2021 themed community garden to knitting hundreds of bonnets for babies who are born prematurely.

“Above all, she was gracious and enthusiastic in recognising the talents of our volunteers – giving wonderful feedback on their soap making, knitting and artwork. The Princess of Wales finished her visit by thanking the group for all that they have done and highlighted the importance of the work of volunteers in the community.

“Everyone in the group was deeply proud of this recognition. Our thanks go to our partners at the Rugby League World Cup 2021 for their brilliant support in making this experience happen.”