Rugby great Jason Robinson has backed a new mental health programme which is set to run in 125 schools throughout the region to raise awareness about positive mental health and wellbeing.
The ‘life-changing’ programme, ‘Are you AO-K” has been set up by Sale Sharks community trust and their sponsor, electrical company AO. It made its debut at St Matthew’s Little Lever Primary School in Bolton with the help of Sale Sharks and England legend Jason.
He talked to students about his own life story and the barriers he’s had to overcome to become one of the game’s most decorated stars.
Jason said: “When I was making my way in rugby as a young player, we didn’t have this sort of education and support. It would have made a huge difference to me because I struggled at times.
“These young people have so many new challenges with social media so I jumped at the chance to speak to them, to encourage them, and to remind them that they can be anything they want to be.
“I’m so proud to be involved in this project.”
Lessons are being taught in schools across the North West and courses will last for six weeks at a time, delivered by Sharks Community Trust coaches, with the support of the club’s players and staff.
Children will be taught the link between physical and mental health which will include what a balanced diet is, how this helps nourish both the body, and how it nourishes the mind. They will also be taught practical methods to manage negative feelings.
There will also be signposting for services such as NHS, Childline, MIND, Healthy Young Minds and Hub of Hope and at the end of each course, wellbeing packs will be gifted to every child that takes part.
Vicky Monk, Director of Customer Brand at AO said: “The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging for everyone, especially children, having faced huge disruption to their daily lives. So, it’s vital that we come together to make sure young people know they can speak up about their mental health.”
Rugby great Jason Robinson has backed a new mental health programme which is set to run in 125 schools throughout the region to raise awareness about positive mental health and wellbeing.
The ‘life-changing’ programme, ‘Are you AO-K” has been set up by Sale Sharks community trust and their sponsor, electrical company AO. It made its debut at St Matthew’s Little Lever Primary School in Bolton with the help of Sale Sharks and England legend Jason.
He talked to students about his own life story and the barriers he’s had to overcome to become one of the game’s most decorated stars.
Jason said: “When I was making my way in rugby as a young player, we didn’t have this sort of education and support. It would have made a huge difference to me because I struggled at times.
“These young people have so many new challenges with social media so I jumped at the chance to speak to them, to encourage them, and to remind them that they can be anything they want to be.
“I’m so proud to be involved in this project.”
Lessons are being taught in schools across the North West and courses will last for six weeks at a time, delivered by Sharks Community Trust coaches, with the support of the club’s players and staff.
Children will be taught the link between physical and mental health which will include what a balanced diet is, how this helps nourish both the body, and how it nourishes the mind. They will also be taught practical methods to manage negative feelings.
There will also be signposting for services such as NHS, Childline, MIND, Healthy Young Minds and Hub of Hope and at the end of each course, wellbeing packs will be gifted to every child that takes part.
Vicky Monk, Director of Customer Brand at AO said: “The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging for everyone, especially children, having faced huge disruption to their daily lives. So, it’s vital that we come together to make sure young people know they can speak up about their mental health.”
