As the new year begins, it’s a time for fresh starts and new priorities. For many, January can be a challenging month—with the darker winter days, the pressures of Dry January, and the aftermath of the festive season. At Richmond Rugby, we believe in supporting our players, families, members, and staff not just on the pitch but in all areas of life, including mental health and wellbeing. That’s why we’re proud to work with Care First, our trusted mental health and wellbeing partner for over six years. This service is funded by the Richmond Heavies Foundation.
Who is Care First? Care First is a confidential, professional support service available to all Richmond Rugby players, coaches, members, staff, and their families (aged 18 and over). Their mission is to provide preventative care—offering support before challenges become overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating personal struggles, work-related issues, or just need someone to talk to, Care First is here to help.
What Support Does Care First Offer?
• 24/7 Emotional Support: You can call Care First any time, day or night, 365 days a year. Speak with a professionally qualified counsellor about anything troubling you, from relationships and family matters to work stress and beyond.
• Practical Advice (Monday - Friday): For practical challenges like debt, employment, housing, or legal queries, Care First’s trained information specialists are on hand to guide you toward solutions and help you create a sensible plan.
• Short-Term Structured Support: For mild to moderate mental health symptoms, Care First provides up to six solution-focused counselling sessions to help you work toward achievable goals.
How It Works Calling Care First is easy and completely confidential. Here’s what to expect:
1. Dial 0800 174 319 and select Option 1 for emotional support or Option 2 for practical advice.
2. Share the organisation name (“Richmond Rugby”) to confirm your access to the service. Your name is requested but never shared with the club.
3. A counsellor will assess your needs to determine the most suitable support—whether it’s a single conversation, structured counselling, or signposting to other resources.
4. You can always call back for further support whenever you need it.
Why Now? The start of the year is the perfect time to check in on your mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, facing challenges, or simply want to build resilience, Care First’s preventative services can make a real difference. By reaching out early, you can address concerns before they escalate, ensuring you’re in the best possible place to tackle 2025.
Richmond Rugby’s Commitment to Mental Health In addition to our partnership with Care First, Richmond Rugby has eight trained Mental Health First Aiders available to provide support and signposting. We’re dedicated to fostering a community where seeking help is encouraged and celebrated.
Get Started Today Accessing Care First is simple:
• Call the helpline: 0800 174 319
• Visit: www.carefirst-lifestyle.co.uk
• Login using Username: richmondrugby and Password: rugby
Whatever you’re facing this new year, remember you’re not alone. Care First is here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Let’s tackle 2025 together.