As organisations recognise World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10th October, Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s health team are addressing the issues around mental health in the Leeds community with programmes tackling isolation, low self-esteem, unemployment and other areas causing mental health problems.
Through the charity's Try Club Men's Health programme, Leeds Rhinos Foundation promote the link between physical activity and reducing anxiety, stress and causes of depression in adult men, providing healthy lifestyle advice and a group environment to assist people to lead a healthier lifestyle.
The charity also provides sessions designed to build confidence and resilience in primary school children on the Inspiring Champions programme sponsored by IGEN, as well as supporting young people outside of employment, training and education to improve their self-esteem and motivation to get back on track on the Mantality programme for 16-25 year olds.
Working with older adults, the charity aims to improve social interaction for over 60s by offering a weekly Rhinos Active Social programme supported by Morrison's Foundation that gives adults the chance to sample taster activity sessions and interact with peers at community hubs in Leeds.
Through a partnership with Leeds City Council, Leeds Rhinos Foundation offer a monthly service for people living with dementia to relive fond memories of Rugby League at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
Laura Buckle, Health Improvement Officer for Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: "As a charity trying to reduce health inequalities in the city, we have an ongoing obligation to tackle the misinformed attitudes among some people that exist around mental health as well as playing our part in offering projects that will tackle some of the causes of mental health problems.
"Across our current health and education programmes we are working to reduce some of the issues commonly associated with mental health from building self-esteem, resilience and confidence in our programmes with children and young people and also reducing issues such as isolation and loneliness in adults."
For more information on any of Leeds Rhinos Foundation's health programmes email health@leedsrhinosfoundation.org or visit www.leedsrhinosfoundation.org