Windsor tackle mental health stigma head on

Windsor RFC have formed a partnership with the mental health charity and clothing form LooseHeadz, and head coach Jack Pattinson is hopeful it will have a positive impact on members and the wider community.

Sam Woodhall, a first XV player and lifelong club member, will manage and cultivate the relationship with the charity and said he hopes the partnership will help those ‘suffering in silence’.

LooseHeadz is a rugby orientated mental health awareness foundation funded through the sale of clothing, fundraisers, and donations.

All proceeds go towards the well-being of rugby players regardless of their age, sex, or level.

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to have untold impacts on people’s well-being, the club is keen to tackle the stigma of mental health head on.

Head coach Pattinson said: “It has been a difficult year for everyone in different ways. I am inspired by our playing group who have sought to form a partnership with LooseHeadz and I am fully behind the positive impact this will have on everyone involved in the club.

“Creating a safe environment for people to talk, share, listen and support one another is fundamental to everything we believe in at the Club.”

Woodhall added: “I have witnessed first-hand the negative effects and how a person can turn against themselves and the ones they love. I’m excited to support a cause that can give so many people an opportunity to talk more openly, many of whom may not feel comfortable to do so at the moment.

“This partnership will aim to help anyone suffering in silence to realise that they are not alone, especially within rugby community.” Members have been asked to reach out if they have questions or ideas on how we can make a positive impact in supporting our members around mental health.