Rugby for resilience: Welsh Rugby Union President Terry Cobner among rugby role models tackling men’s mental health at Rodney Parade event
As part of their commitment to community health, Dragons RFC are proud to announce they will host a Mental Health and Wellbeing event on Thursday 26th September from 7-9pm at the home of Gwent rugby, Rodney Parade. This important initiative aims to raise awareness and provide resources focused on men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Terry Cobner, President of the Welsh Rugby Union and former Welsh international and British Lion will be speaking at the event; “The WRU recognises the issues regarding mental health and wellbeing in Wales and that it has a part to play in addressing these.”
There will be more guest speakers including Rhys Thomas, former international rugby player and ambassador for Tidy Butt, who will share his personal experiences and mental health challenges.
The event is led by 4Minds, a local not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives. The event is supported by Newport Dragons, Tidy Butt and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and funded by the Gwent Rapid Innovation Fund.
“This event is crucial in opening up conversations about mental health within our community,” said Mike Sage, Dragons RFC Community Manager. “By providing a platform for discussion and bringing together various organisations, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of many men in our area.”
Dr Emily Clark, Specialty Registrar in Public Health at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “We know that men can experience poor mental health at any point in their lives, which can be made worse if they don’t know where to go or who to speak to for help. Bringing together so many different local organisations at Rodney Parade means we can all learn about the great work that is already taking place in Gwent to promote men’s physical and mental health.”
The event will showcase over 30 organisations from across Gwent that are dedicated to promoting men’s mental health and wellbeing. These organisations will provide attendees with valuable information and resources to help them support and promote their own health, as well as the health of their loved ones. You can see the full list of organisations at the bottom of this page.
The evening serves as an opportunity for community members to come together, share experiences, and learn about the importance of mental health. It aims to create a safe and supportive environment where men can discuss their mental health openly and find resources that can assist them on their path to wellbeing.
Sheree Williams, from 4Minds, said, "This has been a very worthwhile project and working alongside Tidy Butt and other organisations has been great. Hopefully this event will not only bring people together but also provide valuable information and support to those who need it. I hope that this event will be a platform where individuals can share their experiences, exchange ideas, and help one another. By fostering a sense of community, we can empower people to navigate their challenges more effectively and enhance their overall well-being. There are some amazing agencies within our community and bringing them together will highlight the importance of working collaboratively, fostering a sense of camaraderie that will strengthen our collective efforts."
Doors will open at 6:30pm and all are welcome, please register your attendance here: https://forms.gle/YTt4ZrnPrvxpSkXKA and we look forward to seeing you!
Organisations below are in attendance, and many more besides!
4Minds |
https://4minds.co.uk/ |
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The Ted Senior Foundation |
https://www.thetedseniorfoundation.org/ |
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Andy's Man Club |
https://andysmanclub.co.uk/ |
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Samaritans |
https://www.samaritans.org/ |
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Torfaen sports development |
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GDAS/ Gwelcol |
https://www.gdas.wales/ |
https://www.gdas.wales/cy/ |
Integrated Wellbeing Network |
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Newport City Council |
https://www.newport.gov.uk/ |
https://www.casnewydd.gov.uk/ |
Dragons RFC Community |
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ABUHB - Help Me Quit (Stop Smoking Services) |
https://abuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/staying-well-and-healthy/help-me-quit/ |
https://bipab.gig.cymru/ysbytai/aros-yn-dda-ac-iach/helpa-fi-i-stopio/ |
BALDILOCKS |
https://baldilocks.me |
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Marauders Men's Health |
https://marauders-menshealth.org |
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Beat & the ABUHB Specialist Eating Disorders Service |
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Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Local Public Health Team |
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Alzheimer’s Society |
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ |
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Aneurin Bevan University Health Board |
https://abuhb.nhs.wales/ |
https://bipab.gig.cymru/ |
Friends of Rwandan Rugby |
https://friendsofrwandanrugby.com/ |
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Lads & Dads |
https://www.ladsanddads.org |
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NHS - 111#2 |
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ABUHB - Mental Health & Learning Disabilities |
https://abuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/community-services/mental-health/ |
https://abuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/community-services/mental-health/ |
Tidy Butt |
https://www.tidybutt.co.uk/ |
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Torfaen Talks CIC |
https://www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk/ |
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Newport & Gwent Samaritans |
https://www.samaritans.org/wales/branches/newport/ |
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PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide |
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ |
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