Message from Lawrence Rayner
Mental Health is something everyone in modern life encounters and has a relationship with (with or without realising), including myself. Since finishing at Nottingham Rugby Club and moving away from Professional Rugby 4/5 years ago now, I was very eager to learn more and do more to help myself and others deal and cope with their Mental Health.
When Richie came to me in August, I was delighted to enrol on the course to learn more about the topic of Mental Health in order to try and help others, wherever I can. Mental Health has become much easier to talk about without stigma, however in the arena of sports, especially with male individuals, talking about Mental Health still has a long way to go. With the skills, knowledge and understanding I hope to help others find the support they need to get through whatever they are going through.
The Mental Health First Aid course is a course I would recommend to anyone, whether it be for professional or personal reasons. The course has provided me with skills, knowledge and understanding of how to be a first point of contact for someone suffering from several different Mental Health issues. It has opened my eyes to the troubles people go through and I only wish I can help others to openly talk about their mental wellbeing.
Cambridge Rugby Club is a fantastic environment that does not only focus on Rugby, but tries to help, support & develop the players beyond rugby. With Jo Hopkins and I now completing the course, anyone in the club has a point of contact that, if they are struggling/having issues with their Mental Health can safely, without judgement, come and talk to someone.
It does not stop with us. I hope opening the conversation about Mental Health will reduce the stigma and encourage those to seek support.
If anyone needs to talk, please get in touch; lozzarayner@hotmail.co.uk
