Worcester RFC

Saturday October 10^th was #WorldMentalHealthDay.

Started & promoted by the charity Mental Health Foundation who promote good mental health for all, Worcester RFC have been a local champion of the power of sport in mental health over recent years. As well as forming a Mixed Ability side that welcomes players of ALL abilities & disabilities, they’ve held Curry & Chat evenings & won an award for Most Welcoming Club from the Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

All teams took pictures that were shared on the club’s social media and voluntary donations were collected too with a combined total of £365 donated to the Mental Health Foundation.

Mixed Ability player & social media manager Tom Urry had the idea to embrace World Mental Health Day this year not only by all dressing in green at training (the charity’s colour) but sharing what rugby meant to the club’s players. He said… “At Worcester Rugby Club we want to tackle the stigma around mental health head on. Rugby is such an important thing to many people as it offers time away from the stresses of day to day life. 1 in 4 people in the UK will be affected by mental illness this year & we want to ensure we provide an environment where people feel comfortable expressing their feelings & troubles. I think that’s a real strength of the club; we’re all just one big rugby-loving family.”

The response has been overwhelming with pictures from all age groups of Minis & Juniors to the senior sides. Words such as Support, Health, Strength, Tackles, Friends, Clarity, Inclusion, Fun, Joy, Respect, Acceptance, Values, Family and MUD were all used!

Club Chairman Steven Lloyd said “Mental Health has never been more important nor higher in profile than right now. The effects that the COVID situation is having & will continue to have will be much bigger than we can imagine. That’s why it’s been so great to see members across all sections of our club take part in World Mental Health Day. One of the ways to help with mental health issues is to be a part of a club /community / social group. Our one club approach has been just great to see & important for our local community. Well done to all who took part & if you are keen to be a part if the Worcester RFC Family please get in touch, we’d love to see you!”

If you struggle with your Mental Health and want to make some new, welcoming, accepting new friends, please message Worcester RFC’s Mixed Ability team at https://www.facebook.com/WorcsMixedAbilityRugby/

The Mental Health Foundation are the UK's leading mental health research charity. To support their invaluable work you can text THRIVE to 70300 to give £3 or donate online at https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ where you can also find any help you may need! It’s OK not to be ok!

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