This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May), a national campaign led by the Mental Health Foundation to encourage open conversations around mental wellbeing and remind people that support is available. This year’s theme focuses on taking action to support good mental health – whether that’s checking in on a friend, asking for help yourself, or supporting others in your community.

At Richmond, rugby has always been about more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about community, friendship, belonging, and looking out for each other, especially when times are tough.

As another season comes to an end, routines change. Training finishes, matches stop, and many of us won’t see teammates, friends and fellow members as regularly over the summer months.

For some people, that loss of structure and connection can be difficult, even if they don’t always show it. Mental Health Awareness Week is a good opportunity to check in with the people around you. A quick message, a call, or simply asking someone how they’re doing can go a long way.

The Richmond Heavies Foundation is here to support our rugby community both on and off the field. Through the Foundation, members of the Richmond family can access mental health and wellbeing support, guidance and signposting when they need it.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that support is available – and no one has to face things alone.

Support Available Through The Richmond Heavies Foundation The Foundation can help connect members of the Richmond community with:
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Advice and signposting to professional services
• Peer support and community connections
• Help for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances
• Opportunities to talk confidentially and seek guidance

To find out more or access support, please visit: https://richheaviesfdn.org/

If you would like to support the work of the Foundation, there are several ways you can help:
• Get involved with the Foundation and support its community initiatives
• Volunteer your time or expertise
• Donate to help the Foundation continue supporting the Richmond rugby community

Community sits at the centre of everything we do at Richmond Rugby, including supporting one another away from the game.