Hull FC Foundation is excited to be working in partnership with global men’s health charity Movember and Rugby League Cares to deliver Movember Ahead of the Game.
Movember Ahead of the Game is a ground-breaking mental fitness programme that empowers young people and their wider community to prioritise their mental fitness, build resilience, and have the tools to take on life’s challenges both on and off the field.
Many young people today are struggling with their mental health and fitness: according to NHS England, in 2023 one in five children and young people aged between eight and 25 had a probable mental disorder. An estimated 50% of mental health problems are established by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24.
Movember Ahead of the Game comes from evidence-based research funded by Movember and the programme has since been proven to work in real world settings in increasing young people’s understanding of mental health and their intentions to seek help if they need it.
The programme teaches young people, parents/carers, and sports coaches about the challenges facing young players, how to start conversations about mental health, and a deeper understanding of the support available.
Additionally, young people are provided with tools to develop mental health practices, know how to have conversations about mental health, and given the skills to help out a teammate who may be going through a tough time.
Movember Ahead of the Game started as a research project in Australia and has since been delivered by RL Cares to over 20,000 young people across the UK since 2022. RL Cares are now using their expertise to train and support other partners to roll out the programme. Over the last three years, the programme has seen some amazing results, including:
• Greater levels of mental health literacy;
• Greater confidence in young people seeking help if they need it;
• Promoting all the channels available for support;
• Increased intention to help others with their own mental health problems;
• Reduced levels of stigma for mental health problems;
• Increased understanding and importance of mental health;
• Greater confidence in recognising the signs and symptoms of mental health problems.
One 13-year old who recently attended a Movember Ahead of the Game workshop said: “‘The main thing I took away was how to show up for my mates. We always talk about rugby, or sport, but now I know I need to check how we’re all doing too. It’s good to know we have each other’s backs.”
Hull FC Foundation will deliver workshops in community sports clubs and schools in Hull, targeting young people aged between 12 and 18 and their support networks.
Jasmine Render, Health and Wellbeing Lead at Hull FC Community Foundation said: “We’re thrilled to launch this groundbreaking programme. Ahead of the Game is based on creating a safe space for open conversations, support, and empowerment. Raising awareness is crucial, because by breaking stigma and equipping young people with the right tools, we can foster resilience and wellbeing for a brighter future.”
RL Cares Director of Community Emma Goldsmith said: “We are delighted to be working with Hull FC Community Foundation to deliver Movember Ahead of the Game to young people, their parents, carers and coaches across Hull and East Riding.
“Movember Ahead of the Game is a fantastic, engaging programme that really makes a difference by giving young people the tools and techniques they need to look after not just their own mental wellbeing, but the wellbeing of the people around them.
“The feedback we’ve had from the 20,000 people who have taken part in Movember Ahead of the Game over the last few years has been universally positive, and we’re delighted that Hull FC Community Foundation will help us increase the reach and impact of the programme.”
Paul Williams, Director for Young Men’s Health Implementation (Europe) at Movember said, “We’re excited Hull FC Community Foundation is joining Movember Ahead of the Game to make a real difference in improving the health and wellbeing of their young people and their communities. Movember is working tirelessly to deliver this breakthrough support programme, which is growing rapidly in the UK, and our new partnership will reach even more young people where it’s needed most all while meeting them where they’re at.
“Our research shows Ahead of the Game significantly decreases psychological distress, builds mental fitness and strengthens resilience through sport. Men’s health impacts everybody and when globally, men die by suicide every 60 seconds, with young men and boys being particularly at risk, it’s more important than ever that we encourage communities to take charge of their mental health.”
For more information on the Movember Ahead of the Game programme, watch this video, or visit the website here.
About Movember
Twenty one years ago, a bristly idea was born in Melbourne, Australia, igniting a movement that would transcend borders and change the face of men’s health forever. The movement, known as Movember, united people from all walks of life. Sparking billions of important conversations, raising vital funds, and shattering the silence surrounding men’s health issues. Since 2003, the trailblazing charity has challenged the status quo, shaken up men’s health research and transformed the way that health services reach and support men. Taking on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, with unwavering determination.
They have raised over £873.9 million for men’s health, thanks to a passionate network of global Movember supporters. These critical funds have delivered more than 1,320 men’s health projects around the world. Funding hundreds of biomedical research projects and developing some of the largest prostate cancer registries in the world, based on the real-life experiences of hundreds of thousands of men. Since taking on mental health and suicide prevention in 2006, Movember has emphasised the importance of better social connections, early recognition of what men’s poor mental health looks like, and how clinicians can better respond to men in distress. They want to make sure more men know what to do when mental health issues appear, and that their supporters are better prepared to step in when they need it.
Movember will continue championing new research, cutting-edge treatments and healthy behaviours. Advocating for inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare systems that are tailored to the unique needs of men, women and LGBTQI+ people, from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. In doing so, Movember hope to forge a future where barriers to healthy living are overcome, stigmas are removed, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to live a long healthy life. By improving men’s health, we can have a profoundly positive impact on women, families, and society. Because healthier men mean a healthier world.
