Richmond Rugby Club has launched a mental wellbeing programme to support its members.

The National League champions say the scheme is the first of its kind in a community sports club and provides members, players, coaches, staff and their families access to the following services:

     Thrive: Mental Wellbeing App – an NHS-approved evidence-based smartphone app to monitor and improve mental wellbeing

     Care first Lifestyle – an online resource containing information, advice and articles for all areas of wellbeing

     Care first Helpline – a confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service 

Nick Preston, Chairman of Richmond Rugby, said: "This is a great initiative and is a natural extension of our policy that player welfare comes first at Richmond. It’s really pleasing to now be able offer this fantastic service to all our members."

The initiative has been launched in conjunction with the club’s foundation, the Richmond Heavies, and a statement on its website read: “We are conscious of the impact on our members, players, coaches, staff and their families and want to do what we can to support our club, our family.

“In these strange times there are different pressures on us all and we want to be able to help. Looking after your mental wellbeing is a priority right now and we appreciate it is sometimes hard to do as other things push themselves in front.”

For more information on the work of the Richmond Heavies Foundation, visit richheaviesfdn.org.