St Helens backing Mental Health Programme

Super League promoting Good Mental Health and Wellbeing

RUGBY League and the NHS are coming together for Super League Round 27 to talk about the importance of good mental health and wellbeing.

 The Rugby Football League and its charitable arm Rugby League Cares has created a programme with funding from Sport Relief, which aims to improve mental wellbeing in Rugby League Communities through the work of Super League Clubs’ own charitable Foundations including Saints Community Development Foundation.

As part of this programme, Rugby League is working with the NHS to use Round 27 to promote the steps everyone can take to look after their mental wellbeing and encouraging them to log on to a web page specially created by NHS Choices.

The Health Improvement Team (part of Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust) is working with Saints to promote mental wellbeing, workshops and health checks at local community clubs. All those involved are focused on offering mental health information including how to access organisations throughout the St Helens area.

Saints are making a very visible commitment to the campaign by wearing tee shirts and stressing that anyone and everyone can find life challenging but that help is at hand, whether it’s taking action to improve your mental health, finding out more information or getting support from experts.

Saints Community Development Foundation Manager, Gordon Pennington, said: "Many people don’t realise just how common mental health issues are or what you can do about them. Some think it is a sign of weakness and are ashamed to talk about their concerns. As a result, they are cutting themselves off from friends and family who can help them, and they are not getting hold of information or support that could make them feel a whole lot better.

  "Rugby League is coming together for Round 27 to get across the message that you can do a lot to look after your mental wellbeing, and that if you are worried about yourself, a friend or family member – or just want reassurance - you can get high quality, confidential information and help.

"Saints has a proud tradition of supporting its fans and local communities. Our campaign is part of a much wider programme of action to promote better mental health and wellbeing, and we are very grateful to Sport Relief for providing funding so that we can make this happen.”

James Roby added: "As players, we need to be on top of our game. Being mentally strong is an essential part of this. Like everyone else, we have challenges in life – trying to find the right work-life balance; keeping well; not wanting to let on if we have worries.

"We have all learnt how important it is to look after your mental health and that help is there if you need it. We want fans to know that too and you can find out more by logging on to www.nhs.uk/rugbyleaguecares”

Jen Brown, Health Improvement Specialist at the Health Improvement Team, part of Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said:  "Many people don’t realise that the difficulties they may experience day to day are due to having common mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. We can look after our mental health and wellbeing by learning more about what affects it and how we can do more things that make us feel well.

"www.live-life-well.net is a new, local and interactive website designed to support the many aspects of your own mental wellbeing. If you ever need further support we always recommend visiting your GP.”

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