Tackling the Stigma around Mental Fitness through Rugby with George Furbank at Stamford School #28NotOut

According to the Mental Health Foundation, loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health during the pandemic. Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health and we need to find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness.

So, where does the Mintridge Foundation come in?

For Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mintridge Foundation kickstarted our 28 Not Out Roadshow with Northampton Saints & England Rugby’s George Furbank raising awareness and looking at the practical steps we can take to address it in memory of Max Hunter (1990 – 2019) at Stamford School.

George began his day with the Sports Scholars in the Boys School. George presented his thoughts on what lessons can be learnt in both sport and life from his personal journey to the highest echelons of his sport.

George spoke passionately about what he does outside of rugby and how that has helped him become a more rounded individual. As George focussed on ignoring the noise of those that don’t matter (particularly surrounding social media) as well as how he has ensured a balanced lifestyle from sport through to today with education and rugby, the scholars were able to link to themselves and asked brilliant questions.

After a quick tea break and a catch up with the staff, George made his way to his happy place – off to the rugby pitches with the Year 9 players. As the season has drawn to a close, George was keen to look at skills with the players that they could do in their own time; small 1%ers that will have a mammoth impact when they return next season. Everyone responded brilliantly and we can’t wait to see the results later in the year.

Thank you very much to Mr Kirkpatrick and the Stamford School staff that welcomed the Mintridge team and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

#IveBeenThere

Messages below are resources from other Mintridge Ambassadors regarding our mental fitness.

Patrick Foster has previously shared ideas, hints and tips on supporting your own mental health as well as others including a role model that can relate to say many in the room, Joe Marler and his “Big Boys Don’t Cry” documentary.

Other resources included:

If you would like to understand more about our mentoring programmes with elite athletes and how they can support the young people at your school or club, please contact Katie Smith.

If you are considering supporting the Mintridge Foundation as a business, organisation or as an individual, head to our SUPPORT US page below.

The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport. 

Our team of Ambassadors  - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as Fitswarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.

The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.

The Mintridge Foundation

Unit 4, Shieling Court

Northfolds Road

Corby

Northants

NN18 9QD

Tel: +44 (0) 1536 447106

info@mintridge.org.uk 

www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk

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