Lancashire RU lends an ear
Mental Health Awareness week sees Lancashire Rugby Union providing specialist support for everyone in their member clubs.
They had intended kicking off their Cauliflower Ear programme in the new season but launched it early during the coronavirus pandemic and while players are unable to get together and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of their sport.
The aim of the programme is to raise awareness of mental health and emotional wellbeing within clubs and to try to start conversations and remove the stigma around issues of mental health.
To support this programme the county has engaged professional counsellors from Acorn Wellbeing to provide counselling support to any club members who need it. This counselling is provided free and confidentially via phone, email or video call. The poster artwork was created by well-known Liverpool illustrator Phil Disley.
'Support each other'
“During this lengthy period of isolation and lack of social contact, our members may be feeling the strain more than ever," said Lancashire’s Rugbysafe Lead and Board member Gary Morgan.
"We especially want them to support each other and be there to lend a Cauliflower Ear to those who need it.
“Rugby is usually a big outlet, both the physical and social side of the sport, the 80 minutes on the pitch and the camaraderie off it. I see my club, Liverpool Collegiate, as others do their clubs and team mates, as being like a family and right now, when we can’t be together, we need to stay in touch and be there for each other.”
Later, once lockdown is lifted, the intention is for Acorn Wellbeing to deliver mental health awareness training for clubs. That has had to be put on hold but in the meantime Lancashire wants all club members to know that help available through the game if they have issues with their mental health.
