Leeds Rhinos Foundation has officially partnered with Community charity BEAT LS5 to lead a new round of the Offload Programme, which seeks to boost male mental health and help open up new pathways to employment.
The Offload Programme is now open for applications in Hawksworth Wood, north Leeds, with BEAT LS5 calling for 10 local men to take part in the upcoming programme, which begins in April.
BEAT is a recently established charitable organisation that has grown out of the legacy of the HAVA (Hawksworth, Abbeydales and Vesper Area) Big Local project. The Hawksworth Wood area of Leeds was identified as one of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities through the National Lottery-funded Big Local programme, which invested in local initiatives designed to strengthen community resilience and opportunity. Building on this foundation, BEAT aims to continue and expand the work started by HAVA by supporting local residents and creating opportunities that improve wellbeing, inclusion and life chances. Its vision is to help create a thriving, engaged and hopeful community in Hawksworth Wood, with equity, sustainability, cohesion and empowerment at its core.
The charity – which recently took over the old YMCA building in Hawkworth Wood as its community hub – is proud to support the Offload initiative, which focuses on improving men’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence while helping participants move towards employment, training or self-employment.
The programme will run across six FREE weekly sessions at BEAT LS5, starting on 26th March, and is aimed at men who are currently unemployed or signed off work due to health reasons.
The Offload Programme has already helped many men across the region by creating a safe and supportive team environment where participants can talk openly, build confidence and reconnect with their communities. Using the powerful values of rugby league – teamwork, resilience and support – the programme encourages participants to take positive steps forward in their lives.
As well as supporting mental wellbeing, the programme is designed to reduce economic inactivity by supporting Leeds residents who are currently out of work but want to progress towards employment opportunities.
Organisers say the sessions provide practical support, honest conversations and peer encouragement that can make a real difference to lives.
Sam Horner, Rugby League Development Plan Manager and Mental Health Offload Lead , said: “Leeds Rhinos Foundation are pleased to be working with BEAT, an organisation in the heart of the Community, of which will build on the Offload programme we have been delivering over the past 7 Years. The diverse groups we have delivered sessions to include 400 firefighters in Leeds, community groups, construction companies, community RL clubs and Aspire care worker staff.
“The impact of this delivery is evidential and powerful with such quotes like “These sessions have saved by husbands life, ” ” I now understand that building resilience can support my struggles to get better, “The biggest bulky in my life is my own mind and now I feel free, because of the coping strategies you have opened up to me.”
Sadie Oddy, founder and CEO of BEAT LS5 said “Supporting men’s mental health at a local level is incredibly important. Many men still feel they have to struggle in silence, particularly when they are dealing with challenges around work, health or isolation. Programmes like Offload create a space where men can talk openly, build connections and realise they’re not alone. At BEAT we’re passionate about creating opportunities that help people feel part of their community again, rebuild confidence and take positive steps towards their wellbeing and future.”
Who can apply?
Applicants must be:
- Male residents of Leeds aged 16 or over with the right to work in the UK
- Currently economically inactive (not in employment)
- Receiving support to move towards employment, training or self-employment
- Some places are also available for unemployed residents with a health condition
There is no minimum length of time participants need to have been out of work to apply.
The Offload Programme continues to demonstrate that when men feel supported, they are more able to improve their wellbeing, rebuild confidence and take positive steps towards their future. Anyone who believes they could benefit – or knows someone who might – is encouraged to get in touch.