York RLFC Foundation joins Humber and North Yorkshire UNITED

York RLFC Foundation is proud to join Humber and North Yorkshire UNITED to help improve mental health and prevent suicide and raise awareness about self-harm.

Humber and North Yorkshire UNITED is a groundbreaking initiative launched by NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), uniting professional and grassroots sporting foundations.

The partnership brings together a host of groups representing sports foundations right across the Humber and North Yorkshire regions.

Through this partnership, York RLFC Foundation is pledging a commitment to tackling the stigma surrounding mental health and providing a supportive platform for individuals to seek help and inspire positive change.

Our shared goal is to break down barriers and help people recognise that "it's okay not to be okay" and seek assistance without feeling a sense of guilt or shame.

Foundation Delivery Manager, Adam Prentis said: “Our community connections put us in a fortunate position where we can reach and influence our community.

“We can all talk a good game, but Humber and North Yorkshire UNITED is about using our voice in a way which can bring about meaningful change and support those who might be struggling with their mental health or looking for early help.”

Ryan Nicholls, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB's Suicide Prevention Lead and founder of Humber and North Yorkshire UNITED, said: “Sadly, there is still a stigma associated with mental health which means people aren't always getting the help they need.

"Through sports we can break down some of those barriers and help people reach the help they need.

"I'm delighted that York RLFC Foundation and so many other foundations representing our region's elite sports clubs want to be part of this movement.”

As part of Humber and North Yorkshire UNITED, York RLFC Foundation will:

· PROMOTE local mental health organisations among playing and non-playing staff, participants, volunteers, and our wider club fanbase.

· PARTICIPATE in local events and neighbourhood programmes.

· ENCOURAGE our foundation staff and volunteers to speak openly about their mental health challenges to de-stigmatise mental health.

· HIGHLIGHT the positive aspects of mental health and wellbeing that playing and being involved in sports can bring.

The Betfred Championship match between York Knights and Hunslet on Sunday 11th May has been designated as "Mental Health Awareness Day" and we will celebrate our partnership with Humber and North Yorkshire UNITED.

The next monthly Menfulness session, held in conjunction with the social wellbeing group at the LNER Community Stadium will be on Monday, 12th May 7pm- 9pm.

#RiseUp | #WeAreYork | #Together