12 Sep Rugby League Clubs Support State of Mind Campaign
Rugby league clubs and their stars recently threw their weight behind a ground breaking mental health campaign in memory of a former international player – Terry Newton – who tragically killed himself last year.
The final round of the Engage Super League held over the weekend of 9-11th September saw all 14 clubs – many of whom are member of the Healthy Stadia Network – united in support of the State of Mind campaign. All of the Super League Round 27 fixtures in the UK were branded as State of Mind events, reaching out to hundreds of thousands of fans watching in both stadia and at home.
All UK Super League Clubs and many from lower divisions have been holding a series of local events in the build up to the State of Mind weekend highlighting mental health issues and avenues of support available for those who need help. These themes will be re-visited again by clubs next months in relation to World Mental Health Day on 10th October.
Wigan Warriors RLFC stalwart Ernie Benbow, who founded the State of Mind campaign, said: “Following the loss of Terry Newton, many within the rugby community wanted to do something to tackle the issues of mental wellbeing for both our players and our supporters. Men are three times more likely to take their own lives and it is vital that we open the conversation of mental wellbeing up to everyone involved in the Sport.
“Rugby players are big men, with big shoulders, but even they can’t carry the weight of the world on their own.”
The State of Mind campaign has also been backed by the UK’s Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow MP. He said: “The State of Mind initiative is a brilliant way of raising the profile of mental health issues among players and supporters of rugby league alike.
“I hope that this campaign will help break down the stigma that is often attached to mental health problems and make it easier for rugby players and fans to get the help they need.”
For more information on the State of Mind campaign, mental health issues and to find out what activities each club is running in its own area, please click to: www.stateofmindrugby.com
