Tigers work with community to tackle male loneliness

Castleford Tigers Foundation are proud to be working with Rugby League Cares and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to deliver the ‘Offload’ and ‘Ahead of the Game’ programmes!

Boys and young men in Castleford, in addition to Wakefield, Featherstone and Wigan, will benefit from a new sense of community, purpose and wellbeing to tackle male loneliness.

This initiative forms part of the Government’s plans to break down barriers to opportunity as part of its Plan for Change.

Rugby League legends Keith Senior and Adrian Morley are among a group of former players leading pilot programmes across the Wakefield and Wigan regions.

They will kickstart honest conversations about male mental health and help young men build confidence and resilience, so they are better equipped to cope when life gets tough.

Young men are more than twice as likely to take their own lives as young women, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Since the pandemic, there has been a sharp rise in the number of young men not in employment, education or training, leaving many without regular opportunities to forge friendships and meaningful connections.

Now, the Government is harnessing sport’s unique power to give people the feeling of belonging and ensure fewer boys and young men are left vulnerable to isolation.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Too many young men today are struggling with loneliness and isolation. We know the devastating consequences this can have, both for their mental health and for our communities. When young people can’t find a sense of belonging where they live, they are vulnerable to finding it in the wrong places.

“Rugby league has always been more than just a sport in towns like Wigan and Wakefield. It is the heartbeat of these communities. By bringing together the legends of the game with the next generation, we are creating spaces where young men can open up, build genuine connections and develop the resilience they need.

“Everyone deserves to feel they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Through this work with Rugby League Cares, we are making sure more young men get that chance and can reach their full potential.”

The Culture Secretary made the announcement on Thursday 13th November during a visit to an RL Cares programme in Wigan. The Government investment of more than £330,000 will fund two RL Cares pilot programmes, reaching 1,300 boys and young men by March 2026.

The first programme, ‘Offload’, is designed to give men aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of isolation a safe environment to open up without pressure or judgement, while developing the tools they need to look after themselves and contribute positively to their communities.

The second, the Movember ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme, will use rugby to deliver sport-focused mental health training to younger boys aged 11-18, as well as parents, carers and youth workers, engaging those at risk early through the game they love and the heroes they admire.

Both programmes aim to increase awareness of loneliness, isolation and mental health impact, as well as improving wellbeing, confidence and aspirations of participants.

Each will be led by former professional players who are trained in mental health support.

‘Offload’ will be delivered to boys and young men aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) and at higher risk of isolation and loneliness.

The programme consists of six two-hour sessions, which will include team-building challenges, physical activity and teach mental fitness skills, while providing a supportive, no-pressure space to talk.

Movember ‘Ahead of the Game’ consists of four workshops: two for boys and young men aged 11-18, one for parents and carers, and one for youth workers.

The workshops for 11 to 18-year-olds will teach participants how to start conversations about mental health, how to support themselves and friends, and where to seek help when needed.

The workshops for adults will help participants develop the skills and knowledge they need to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people, as well as recognise warning signs around loneliness and isolation.

To register your interest in the free-to-attend ‘Offload’ sessions at your nearest Club, click the link HERE! 

To register your Community Youth Organisation’s interest in hosting the Movember ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme, please email our Wellbeing Lead Liam Carr on liamcarr@castigers.com