Sport is changing lives in Sheffield and we're only halfway through
Three weeks into our first sessions outside the North East, residents across three SheffCare homes are moving more, laughing more, and connecting with each other in ways their carers hadn't expected.
We are halfway through a six-week programme at Midhurst, Cotleigh, and Valley Wood — three homes in the SheffCare group in Sheffield, and our first regular sessions outside the North East. Funded by Dementia Adventure, this pilot is a significant step in our ambition to grow into Yorkshire, bringing our care home sports sessions to new communities and new residents.
These aren't sessions built around a single sport. Each week, residents take part in a varied programme of physical games and activities — from cricket and balloon badminton to strength and balance work, skittles, and more. The aim is always the same: to find something that every person in the room can enjoy, take part in, and feel good about. With three weeks still to go, the early signs are genuinely encouraging.
Something for Everyone
One of the things that makes our sessions work is variety. Not every resident has a sporting background, and not every body moves the same way. So our coaches bring a range of activities that can be adapted, scaled up or down, and enjoyed whether you're in a chair or on your feet.
That breadth matters enormously in a care home setting. A resident who might not connect with cricket can still find joy in a balloon badminton rally or a gentle skittles competition. What our coaches have found — again and again — is that when the right activity meets the right person, something lights up. Staff have seen it too.
"It gives residents a focused activity that both works them physically whilst also playing on reminiscence for those who have fond memories of sport."
Jamie, Activities, Valley Wood
What the sessions are doing for residents
Across all 43 participants, confidence has improved, and depression risk has reduced — a consistent result across all three homes. 93% of residents enjoyed the sessions. Engagement improved for 82%, mood lifted for 59%, and 57% were noticeably calmer and more settled afterwards. These aren't abstract figures — they represent real shifts in how people feel in their day.
When we asked residents what they loved most, the answers reflected the range of what's on offer — and the joy of simply being part of it.
That first response — "I enjoyed doing what I managed to do" — speaks to the heart of what we're trying to achieve. For residents living with dementia, the opportunity to participate fully, at your own pace and on your own terms, can be genuinely meaningful.
"Laura doing squats when she rarely walks, and Anita has been involved cheeringothers on when she can be confrontational with other residents."
Janet Hayes, Activities, Midhurst
"People showing skills we didn't even know they had — and everyone cheering each other on."
Elizabeth, Activites, Cotleigh
"Residents' mood has lightened and they have been laughing and feeling proud of their involvement."
Janet Hayes, Activities, Midhurst
The benefit to staff themselves is clear too. 90% said their stress levels were reduced as a result of the sessions; 72% were able to focus on other residents or tasks while the sessions ran; and every member of staff said the sessions had operational value for their home. A more engaged, more settled group of residents creates a better environment for everyone.
The value being created
The estimated social value generated across the three homes so far reflects what sport, delivered thoughtfully and inclusively, can genuinely achieve for people living with dementia.
Three weeks to go
The second half of the programme is still ahead, and we'll share a full evaluation once it's complete. But what we've seen at Midhurst, Cotleigh, and Valley Wood so far gives us real confidence — in the sessions themselves, in the SheffCare team, and in the potential for our care home sports programme to become a lasting part of what we offer in Yorkshire.
We're grateful to Dementia Adventure for making this expansion possible. We can't wait to see what the next three weeks bring!