Worcestershire Cricket Foundation: BBC Make a Difference Awards Finalist

Everyone at Radfield Home Care Worcester, Droitwich & Malvern is celebrating after our valued community partner, the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, was announced as one of four finalists in the Community Group category of the BBC Hereford & Worcester Make a Difference Awards.

Our Community Engagement Officer, Maddy, was proud to nominate the Foundation after witnessing first-hand the incredible impact the charity has on people across Worcestershire.

A partnership supporting Parkinson’s wellbeing

Since the beginning of this year, Radfield Home Care has worked closely alongside the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation through their seated multisports sessions for people living with Parkinson’s, funded by Parkinson’s UK. The sessions combine accessible physical activity with the opportunity to socialise, helping participants improve their wellbeing while building friendships and confidence in a welcoming environment.

As part of this partnership, Radfield Home Care proudly sponsors the wellbeing café that runs alongside each session, providing tea, coffee, and biscuits so attendees can stay after the sporting activities for conversation, companionship, and peer support.

The social aspect of these sessions has become just as valuable as the exercise itself, creating a space where people living with Parkinson’s, along with their loved ones, can connect with others who truly understand their experiences.

Having attended the sessions every week, Maddy has seen the Foundation’s work transform lives through the power of accessible sport and community engagement.

“The Worcestershire Cricket Foundation doesn’t just deliver sporting activities,” said Maddy. “They create opportunities for people to feel included, build confidence, and form friendships. We’ve seen participants arrive feeling nervous and leave laughing with new friends. It’s a fantastic example of how community organisations can make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”

Pulling off the perfect BBC Radio surprise

Keeping the nomination a secret proved to be one of the hardest parts of the process.

Working alongside BBC Hereford & Worcester, Maddy helped organise a surprise for Elsa-Marie, Head of Community at the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation. Under the pretence of attending a routine meeting, Elsa-Marie was brought to the BBC Hereford & Worcester studios, where she discovered live on air that the Foundation had been shortlisted for the prestigious award.

“It was such a special moment, seeing Elsa-Marie’s reaction reminded us just how much this recognition means. The entire team works tirelessly to support communities across Worcestershire, and it’s wonderful to see that dedication being recognised.”

Championing community partnerships in Worcestershire

The Worcestershire Cricket Foundation is a relatively small charity, but its reach extends across the county, delivering inclusive programmes that support people of all ages and abilities. From school initiatives and disability cricket to health and wellbeing projects for older adults and people living with long-term conditions, the Foundation continues to demonstrate the positive role that sport can play in bringing communities together.

At Radfield Home Care Worcester, Droitwich & Malvern, community partnerships in Worcestershire are at the heart of what we do. By working alongside organisations such as the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, we can help create more opportunities for older people to stay active, socially connected, and engaged within their local communities.

We are incredibly proud to support the Foundation and couldn’t think of a more deserving finalist. Congratulations to everyone at the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, and we’ll be cheering you on at the BBC Hereford & Worcester Make a Difference Awards!

Want to hear Elsa-Marie receive the surprise live on air? You can listen back to the special announcement on BBC Sounds.