Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s latest two Offload programmes began this week in West Leeds, and there are still spaces available at both Bramley Cluster and Milford ARLFC for any men who are interested in joining the award-winning mental fitness programme.
The eight-week courses are open to any men aged 16+, providing a safe space to speak with like-minded individuals and team up with past and present rugby league players, who share their expert advice on how they’ve coped with challenges both on and off the field during their careers.
Guest presenters include ex-internationals Keith Senior, Lee Crooks, Paul Wood, Johnny Lawless, Shaun Lunt, Paul Broadbent and Kevin Larroyer.
This is the fourth round of Offload fixtures that have been delivered throughout the city by Leeds Rhinos Foundation, with the charity’s sessions already helping more than 100 men to take important steps towards tackling their mental fitness.
Almost one in 10 men will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. Men account for 75% of suicides in the UK, the biggest cause of death for men under 50 and a leading cause of death in young men in England. Yet only 36% of people referred to psychological therapies in the UK are male.
Offload has been proven to have a dramatic impact on those attending, and our participants have all have taken away lots of advice and insights that have helped to either turn their lives around or ensure they are better prepared to deal with the adversity which may lie ahead.
“The great thing about Offload is that it offers that welcoming, informal environment where men can team up and grow together, share their advice and learn from each other’s stories. We’ve seen previously that from Week 1 into Week 3 right through to Week 8 or 10 that there is a huge change in the men’s mindsets, but also that they’re forging really close bonds and keeping in touch with their new mates.
“We’ve got two Offload programmes running now at Bramley and Milford, and we’d love for more men to come join the sessions to take this forward even further.”
Offload is completely free to attend and all sessions take place in a COVID safe environment, with refreshments provided.
The details for our current Offload programmes are as follows:
Bramley Cluster Children and Family Services Center, LS13 3DQ
Every Tuesday 6-7pm, for 8 weeks.
The Milford Rugby League Club, Kirkstall, LS5 3AS
Every Tuesday 8-9pm, for 8 weeks.
To book your place, or for more information about Offload, please contact sam.horner@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.