Hull FC have launched a new partnership with Think Mental Health with the aim of supporting the welfare of players across our Centre of Excellence.
The partnership has seen the appointment of Paul Longley, owner of Think Mental Health, as the Centre of Excellence’s Player Welfare Officer, helping support our young players off the field.
By appointing a Player Welfare Officer, the club are aiming to have the support available to our young players who may be struggling with their mental health at what is an important, but often challenging stage of their lives, and sporting careers.
Think Mental Health focus on a variety of specific areas, including improving mental health in the workplace, and to cultivate best practices so as to reduce the undesirable effects of neglecting mental health and well-being.
The Hull-based company are also aiming to create a state of the art well-being walk-in facility in the local community that brings about change, helping to create a wider understanding of wellbeing in life and in business, and to empower individuals to be the best they can be for the benefit of themselves and those around them.
Longley has been working for over three years to create safe spaces for men to speak about their mental health without fear, and has become a regular speaker at some of the regions biggest companies including Siemens, Arco, Smith & Nephews, and ResQ,
He also has experience working within Rugby League as a talent scout for both Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Paul Longley said: “I’m driven to help break the stigma associated with ‘mental health’. There are three main stigmas, weakness, burden, and embarrassment, that stop men from speaking out.
“With my work with Andy’s Man Club, we are helping pave the way for men to know that #ItsOkayToTalk and to break the stigma.
“Physical health and mental health are intertwined. I’m really happy Think Mental Health and myself are in a position to help Hull FC with the role of Player Welfare Officer and with my background in Rugby League and mental health, this partnership is a match made in heaven.
“Now more than ever, we need to look at mental health in the workplace and in young people and this is a great step in the right direction for Hull FC.”
Player Performance & TalentID Manager Matty Faulkner added: “We are really happy to announce our partnership with Think Mental Health. Paul has been around the club for many years working as a lead scout in youth recruitment, he knows the players and is very passionate about what he does.
“Having Paul step in to the welfare officer role for our scholarship and academy is a huge asset to our youth development pathways, allowing us to support young athletes on and off the field.”
To get in touch with Think Mental Health, please email Paul@thinkmentalhealth.co.uk
Or for more information – click here
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