Hull FC Foundation is delighted to announce that it has successfully secured funding to launch ‘Oppo Club’, a new mental health and wellbeing programme designed specifically for Royal Navy and Royal Marine veterans across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. Thanks to funding from the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, the Foundation will now aim to launch the programme in October.
Developed in response to the lived experiences of local veterans, Oppo Club will provide a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals who may be experiencing loneliness, social isolation, or challenges with their mental wellbeing. The programme aims to help veterans build meaningful social connections, access positive community-based activities, and improve their overall health and resilience.
Delivered from the Hull FC Community Hub at the MKM Stadium, Oppo Club will offer weekly sessions featuring a variety of activities. These will include reminiscence sessions focused on military service, sport and local community, alongside crafts, model making, quizzes, board games and creative wellbeing activities.
The programme will also promote healthier lifestyles through activities such as walking activity and mindfulness walks. Participants will have access to workshops, helping them better understand mental health, develop positive coping strategies and connect with organisations offering specialist support. Partner organisations will also deliver sessions on key health topics including cancer awareness, falls prevention and healthy living.
In addition, veterans will be supported to build resilience against cost-of-living pressures through practical workshops covering money management, household support schemes, digital skills and cooking on a budget.
For many veterans, Oppo Club will provide a first opportunity to engage with dedicated community support services and reconnect with others who share similar experiences.
Sarah Robinson, Armed Forces Community Lead at Hull FC Foundation, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have secured funding for Oppo Club and to be able to offer this dedicated support to veterans across Hull and the East Riding. Through our work with the Royal Marines and partnerships with Royal Navy Rugby League and In Touch, we understand the importance of comradeship, connection and having a strong support network.
Oppo Club will provide a welcoming space for veterans to reconnect, build friendships and access practical support. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the programme will have over the next year.”
For more information about Oppo Club and the Hull FC Foundation’s Armed Forces programmes, please contact Sarah Robinson – Sarah.robinson@hullfc.com
For more information on the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, please visit here
