The RFU recognises that up to one in four people experience some form of personal mental health issue each year. Also, it is known that both the physical activity and social contact provided by community rugby clubs can be very beneficial in supporting mental health and wellbeing in general terms.

In response to moves made by RFU to encouraging the game to be more open about addressing the issues of depression and anxiety, in 2020 the club appointed its first Mental Health Ambassador to be on hand for anyone who would like to talk to him.

‘If you’re over 18 and not feeling quite your usual self, I can lend a friendly ear, have an informal chat and provide support, as appropriate. This may include suggestions of things that you can do to help yourself and/or signposting you to specialist organisations and web resources.

Also, if it helps, I can speak from personal experience of dealing with mental health issues and, in my case, the associated chronic pain. However trivial (or critical) the issue may seem to you please don’t be afraid to either call/message me on 07715 213449 or contact me by email.

All in confidence as you’d expect and please note that I am not a professionally trained.’

For more information on organisations which could help, please click here