Howzat for something new to try!

More than a hundred years after cricket made its debut at the Olympics, the London 2012 Games’ legacy is encouraging a new generation to take up the exciting team sport.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is running indoor cricket sessions for service users as part of its Get Active, Get Involved programme, inspired by this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The sessions take place at The Cricket Asylum in Sowerby Bridge, Calderdale, on Tuesday evenings between 6-7pm. Run by Level 3 England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) cricket coach Matt Dawson, they are designed to be fun, active and suitable for beginners and improvers alike.

Mark Wisbey, from the Trust’s inclusion team, said, “The Get Active, Get Involved initiative has enabled us to provide physical activity opportunities for hundreds of local people who use our mental health, learning disability and community services.

“We have been able to offer people a chance to meet others, take part in something they may not have tried before and develop new skills whilst enjoying themselves. People may not always find it easy to get out and try new things, but the benefits of learning a sport whilst socialising can make a huge difference to a person’s wellbeing.

“The cricket sessions run from now up until Christmas, and people can attend as many or as few sessions as they wish. Come and give it a go – we’re welcoming everyone who wants to try it for the first time as well as those who haven’t played since school.”

The cricket sessions are open to both NHS staff and service users (16+) and cost just £2 per session to help fund equipment for the group. For more information or to take part, contact Mark on mark.wisbey@swyt.nhs.uk or 01422 281317.