What we do

The aim of the charity is to use the power of sport, in particular Rugby League, to raise awareness of, and promote mental fitness, wellbeing and resilience, tackle stigma and to signpost to and encourage access to timely support to ultimately prevent suicide.

· To educate sports people and the wider public on all issues surrounding mental health in an effort to tackle discrimination and to reduce the stigma felt by people with mental health problems;

· The promotion of good health through education in mental fitness and wellbeing and signposting to sources of support for people who may be experiencing mental distress;

· To lobby and influence social, political and relevant policy and decision making bodies on the importance of good physical and mental health and wellbeing. This would lead to better public health decision and an increase in the health resources made available to benefit people involved in sport and the public more widely.

We also deliver adult mental health first aid training for public, private and Third Sector organisations throughout the UK.

MENTAL FITNESS SESSIONS

Normally, two ex-professional sportsmen from Rugby League will present the session and will use their knowledge and experience of life as professional sportsmen, including their personal lived experience of mental health, to raise awareness about mental fitness issues in sport and relate this to your workforce.

During the session each presenter will share with the audience their personal story, which has proven a powerful means of getting the key messages across with real impact.

The presentation will address mood, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation and, in the case of the two presenters, what worked for them in turning their lives around.

The presenters are fully trained and the presentations are clinically developed by our Clinical Trustees.

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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

State of Mind Sport now delivers fully accredited Adult Mental Health First Aid Training, in conjunction with MHFA England.

Our training is a key component for creating a safe, healthy workplace where the mental health and physical health of employees are valued equally. It will give you and your employees the tools to support your own mental health and that of your colleagues.

On completion of the course participants will leave with a certified qualification from Mental Health First Aid England, the sole provider of licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training in England.

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SUPER LEAGUE THEMED ROUND

Each year, a full round of Super League fixtures is dedicated to State of Mind.

No other sports in the UK has ever had a themed round of fixtures for mental wellbeing.

The sport comes together to embrace mental fitness, with clubs, players, officials, volunteers and fans all coming together.

Awareness of State of Mind is driven on and off the pitch, with trustees, volunteers and national health staff on hand at each game to provide advice and support to anyone that needs it.

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