Leeds Rhinos Foundation is working in partnership with Rugby League Cares to deliver the Ahead of the Game workshop in schools and community clubs around Leeds, funded by Movember.
Ahead of the Game is a ground-breaking programme that will teach young people the importance of looking after their mental fitness.
Now, more than ever, young people are struggling with their mental health and fitness, with 50% of mental health problems being established by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24. Since 2010, suicide rates amongst young people has increased by 67%, which is why Ahead of the Game is so important.
Here in Leeds, 10% of the 250,000 people under the age of 25 are likely to have a mental health problem or need support with their emotional wellbeing.
Ahead of the Game started as a research project in Australia and has shown some great results so far, including:
- Greater levels of mental health literacy
- Greater confidence in young people seeking help if they need it
- Increased intentions to help others with their own mental health problems
- Reduced levels of stigma for mental health problems
- Increased understanding and importance of mental health
- Greater confidence in recognising the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
Leeds Rhinos Foundation is working with 24 high schools and 10 community Rugby League clubs in Leeds, to deliver mental health workshops to those aged between 13 and 16.
Dane Weatherill, Project Tutor here at Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: “We are so proud as a charity to be involved in a programme which is making such a difference amongst the young people in our community. We are looking to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage both students and aspiring players to recognise signs both in themselves and those around them. We are looking forward to delivering this programme and seeing the positive impact that it will bring.”
For more information on the Ahead of the Game programme, please CLICK HERE.