Warriors tackle male loneliness and isolation
Wigan Warriors Community Foundation are delighted to launch ‘Offload’ sessions to tackle loneliness and isolation in boys and young men.
Working with the Government and Rugby League Cares as part of the Plan For Change, Wigan and Wakefield will host rugby sessions that provide a new sense of community, purpose and wellbeing for males.
Rugby league legends Keith Senior and Adrian Morley are among a group of former players leading pilot programmes to kickstart honest conversations about male mental health and to help young men build confidence and resilience.
Wigan Warriors Community Foundation have recently started Offload sessions at Robin Park Arena on Tuesdays 1-3pm. Participants will work through team-building challenges, physical and mental fitness skills, all in a supportive space to talk.
Bookings for the programme can be made through self-referral, or you can complete the form on someone’s behalf if you feel they would benefit from attending. This is available online HERE.
According to the Office for National Statistics, young men are more than twice as likely to take their own lives as young women. Since the pandemic, there has been a sharp rise in the number of young men not in employment, education or training, leaving many without regular opportunities to forge friendships and meaningful connections.
Now, the Government is harnessing sport’s unique power to give people the feeling of belonging and ensure fewer boys and young men are left vulnerable to isolation.
Speaking on the programme, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “Too many young men are struggling with loneliness and isolation. Rugby League has always been more than just a sport in towns like Wigan and Wakefield – it is the heartbeat of these communities.
“Everyone deserves to feel they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Through this work with Rugby League Cares, we are making sure more young men get that chance and can reach their full potential.”
Wigan Warriors Assistant Head of Community, Scott Rafferty added: “We’re really pleased to officially launch the Offload pilot in partnership with Rugby League Cares. When we first learned about the pilot and the concerning statistics around the number of young men in Wigan at risk of loneliness and isolation, we knew it was something we needed to help address.
“By using the Club’s reach, we hope the Offload pilot can help break down barriers and build on the fantastic work already taking place across Wigan. A huge thank you to RL Cares and the DCMS for their support in making this pilot possible.”
Speaking during a visit to Wigan on Thursday morning, the Culture Secretary announced that the Government will be investing more than £330,000 to fund the Offload and Ahead of the Game programmes, which will reach 1,300 boys and young men by March 2026.
The Offload programme is designed to give men aged 16 to 24, who are at risk of isolation, a safe environment to open up without pressure or judgement while developing the tools needed to look after themselves and contribute positively to their community.
