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Tamara Private Hospital helps bring Sense Rugby to neurodiverse children of Tamworth

Jul 25, 2022

Tamara Private Hospital and Ramsay Health Plus have joined forces with Sense Rugby and Tamworth Rugby Union to offer an exciting new Occupational Therapy program for children in Tamworth.

Through Sense Rugby, neurodiverse children and those with developmental delays can experience the joy and community of being part of a sports team, with all the benefits of a therapy session.

Tamara Private Hospital Occupational Therapist, Ben Willis, is encouraging anyone interested to come along to the free trial day on Saturday 30 July.

“Sense Rugby is a great chance for neurodiverse children to participate in sport and become part of a team while in a safe and supportive environment,” Mr Willis said.

“Sense Rugby is run on a football field and follows the structure of a training session, while incorporating all of the components of a therapy session. This allows children to feel like they are just playing rugby and not going to therapy.”

Mr Willis said the program is a great way for local children to have fun as well as learn important life skills.

“Through Sense Rugby kids will have a chance to have fun, make friends, develop their confidence and self-esteem, as well as learning important skills like managing emotions, following instructions and teamwork.”

Having played Rugby for most of his life, Mr Willis said he loved being able to incorporate it into his work.

“I love having the chance to watch the children develop a love for the game and seeing the joy it brings to not only them, but also their parents watching along on the sideline.

“The look on a parents face when they first see their child make a tackle, kick a ball, or even just stand in line and listen, is priceless.

“Tamworth is a large, tight knit community that loves rugby. I am very excited to help bring together Sense Rugby, Tamworth Rugby Union and Tamara Private Hospital in a way which will have such a positive impact on the town.”

Tamara Private Hospital Acting CEO Sue Knight said she was proud to support the initiative.

“Sometimes patients need to get away from the traditional hospital setting to get the best treatment for their individual needs,” Ms Knight said.

“We’re proud to partner with Sense Rugby and offer this unique program to the Tamworth community.”

About the program: Sense Rugby was founded in October 2015 by Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Carlien Parahi and Australian Rugby Sevens Olympian, Jesse Parahi. Sense Rugby is a rugby based Occupational Therapy program designed to help kids who usually find it difficult to be part of a sports team. Sense rugby sessions are run by a qualified Occupational Therapist. Sense Rugby Tamworth is possible thanks to Tamara Private Hospital, Ramsay Health Plus and Tamworth Rugby Club.