Foundation proud to lead initiative

ROCHDALE Hornets’ Sporting Foundation are currently delivering a programme in high schools to improve mental health awareness, and are urging all schools in the area to get involved.

The programme sees the charity team up with State of Mind to assess the positive impact of exercise on mental health and well-being, with a series of physical tests over a number of weeks.

In the opening session, former Hornets and Super League star Danny Sculthorpe delivers a talk to students in year 9, 10 and 11 as part of his role with the State of Mind charity.

After a welldocumented battle with depression, the retired rugby league star now works with the charity to tell his story and help others who are suffering with mental health problems.

Students then take a questionnaire, which is retaken at the end of the programme to assess the positive effects of the sessions on their well-being.

Foundation coaches will deliver the physical activities in-between, all with the aim of improving the mental health of youngsters.

The sessions will also give students who are suffering with mental health problems information on support service, which will help them to cope.

With a number of schools already signed lined-up for this great initiative in the New Year, Foundation Manager and Hornets CEO Steve Kerr wants more schools and colleges to follow suit.

“This is a brilliant programme which everyone at the Foundation is really proud to be a part of,” he commented.

“We feel it is massively important to target youngsters in terms of mental health awareness, and with the help of this programme we can educate students on the benefits of exercise on their health and well-being.

“It will also help those going through mental health issues to gain information on how they can cope, and who they can speak to about their problems.

“It is great to be working with State of Mind and Danny, who is someone very close to the club having enjoyed a successful playing career at Spotland.

“We have already linked up with a number of schools, however there are still plenty of opportunities for other local high schools and colleges to participate.”

The programme is led by Community Manager and Hornets head coach Alan Kilshaw, and any interested schools are urged to contact the foundation via email at foundation@ hornetsrugbyleague. com to be a part of this hugely important programme.