State of Mind Sport is proud to announce it will be the official charity partner of NORTHAMPTON OUTLAWS RUGBY CLUB for the 2019/20 season.
State of Mind Sport is a charity that harnesses the power of sport to promote positive mental health among our sportsmen and women, fans and wider communities, and ultimately to prevent suicide.
The charity was established in 2011 following the tragic death of Terry Newton, former Wigan Warriors and Great Britain international rugby league player who took his own life in September 2010. State of Mind Sport’s founders were determined to prevent similar tragedies in other communities, by raising awareness of mental health concerns, tackling stigma, providing mental fitness education and resilience, and by signposting individuals and families to timely support during tough times.
State of Mind Sport began by providing mental fitness sessions to professional rugby clubs, players, coaches and officials and subsequently in schools, colleges, universities, prisons and increasingly in the workplace, including emergency blue light services and the construction industry.
Uniquely, State of Mind Sport’s team of speakers include ex-professional players and a former Super League referee, supported by experienced health care professionals.
Over 60,000 individuals have now received the acclaimed State of Mind mental fitness sessions and this partnership will be the first with an IGR rugby club. It will lead to helping develop an LGBT specific programme with the aim or reaching the global IGR community of over 100 clubs and their 6000+ players, officials and supporters.
Northampton Outlaw’s Simon Law said: “Suicide is the most common cause of death for men aged 20-49 in England & Wales and people who identify as LGBT+ are more likely to experience mental health issues, so we are delighted to be working with State of Mind Sport to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues. By raising awareness, we hope to be able to encourage people to talk more openly about mental health issues.”
Co-Founder and Trustee of State of Mind Sport, Dr Phil Cooper MBE said: “We are really looking forward to our partnership with Northampton Outlaws over the coming months, as it will enable us to reach out and engage players, fans and communities and offer our multi-award-winning education and awareness session on mental fitness and resilience.”