State of Mind will take over Super League for Round 25 to help raise awareness of mental health issues, tackle stigma and signpost the support available to Rugby League players and fans.
The themed round kicks-off in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras on Thursday August 15, when Warrington Wolves host Widnes Vikings.
Followed 24 hours later by defending champions Leeds Rhinos against Hull KR, in what should be another thrilling fixture televised by Sky Sports.
Fans will be able to visit the State of Mind marquee – where they can interact with volunteers to learn about the campaign – at those two games along with Hull FC v Salford City Reds, London Broncos v Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v St Helens.
The Wildcats can be seen after their recent State of Mind session
State of Mind volunteers will also be handing out flyers and car stickers at the Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls match, whilst Catalan Dragons and Wigan Warriors players will show their support by wearing branded t-shirts during their pre-game warm-up.
“The RFL are pleased to support the State of Mind programme by dedicating a Round of Super League matches to highlight the work that the organisation does promoting mental health and wellbeing, which is vitally important within all professional sports and their wider communities,” said RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood.
Now in its third year, State of Mind explores and promotes initiatives relating to suicide prevention by targeting groups to deliver a range of awareness raising options focusing on mental fitness and resilience.
“The State of Mind programme was established in 2011 with the aim of improving the mental fitness, wellbeing and working life of Rugby League players and communities and we want you to belong to the State of Mind Family,” said State of Mind’s Phil Cooper here with Brian Barwick.
“Whoever you support, you can join the State of Mind Family and be part of this amazing, award-winning movement.
“Show your support come and say hello to a volunteer at games, take a mental fitness card and wear our tee-shirt.”
Almost 1000 players, coaches and support staff from Super League and the Championships, the three professional leagues in this country, have attended State of Mind sessions, with 95% of those attending never having had mental health training before.
Sessions continue to be run at Super League clubs in particular, most recently at Huddersfield and St Helens, focusing on mental fitness to ensure people can manage the ups and downs of life effectively and encourage people to access support if it is needed.
More information can be found on the website rugbyleague.www.stateofmindsport.org or on Twitter @SOMRugbyLeague.