Mental health awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales as concerns grow about the rising number of men struggling in silence.
The course is designed to help teams, coaches and players recognise and support people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.
Figures show the highest rates of suicide in Wales are among men aged between 35 and 55. It is hoped that providing spaces which promote both positive mental and physical wellbeing will help reach those at risk.
More than £2m is also being invested in the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Research at Swansea University.
The online course, run by UK Coaching and mental health charity Mind, has already seen more than 400 football clubs across Wales signing up to take part.
Organisations including the Dragons, Sport Wales, Samaritans, Mind, Welsh Rugby Players Association, Lads and Dads and 2Wish are among those attending the male suicide prevention summit today, organised by the Welsh Government.
Expanding mental health training to sports clubs is in line with the ambitions in Wales’ Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Strategy, which was launched last year and is designed to improve access to support and to reduce stigma.
Progress has been made in improving access to support services without the need for a referral with more than 230,000 people contacting the 111 press 2 mental health service since it was launched in Wales in 2022.
Speaking at a male suicide prevention summit at Rodney Parade in Newport, Mental Health Minister Sarah Murphy urged rugby clubs to sign up to the training.
‘It is crucial men have access to support before reaching crisis point,’ she said. ‘Sport can play a valuable role in reaching men who are struggling with their mental health.
‘We want more sports club to learn how to provide their players, teams and staff with support at an early stage.’
Image: chris robert/UnSplash
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