Offload scheme complete

THE Vikings Sporting Foundation have completed the delivery of a six week Offload programme to men living in sheltered housing within Halton.

Male residents of Naughton Fields and head office staff at Waterfront Point were given access to the hugely popular mental fitness programme, held in conjunction with charity RL Cares.

The success of the sessions was underlined by Halton Housing Health and Wellbeing Officer, Cheryl Rose-Coulthard, who said: “Halton Housing have recently signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge and are determined to help reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health within our organisation.

“We recently came across the “Offload” programme which was being promoted by Widnes Vikings and we were really keen to work in partnership with them to reach some of our gentlemen living within our sheltered schemes in Widnes, as well as our own team members within head office.

“The Vikings visited our sheltered scheme and head office once a week for 6 weeks covering a variety of topics and introducing numerous different guest speakers who were happy to share their own stories and experiences.

“Feedback from this programme has been incredibly positive and has not only provided opportunity for community cohesion within our sheltered schemes but has also empowered our own staff to feel much more comfortable and confident when talking about mental health within our workplace. One member of staff stated, ‘I was at this session this week and it was brilliant. I left feeling 10ft tall and I’ve no idea how.’

“Thanks to the Vikings and State of Mind for running these sessions for us.”

Head of Education at the Vikings, Liam Clark, added: “It was great for our community team to branch out with the Offload programme and reach a new demographic within the area.

“Since the launch of the programme we have experienced a lot of success and these last six weeks have been no different.

“I’d like to thank Halton Housing for inviting us in to their sheltered accommodation and hope that our delivery leaves a lasting effect.”

Weekly drop-in Offload sessions are held at the Halton Stadium every Tuesday at 6:30pm, free and open to all men wanting to develop their mental resilience.

For more information on how you can get involved, contact Offload Programme Co-ordinator, Sean Mellor, on seanm@ widnesvikings.co.uk/0151 495 2250.