Official Launch of 'STATE OF MIND' Halton

NHS Halton and St Helens are joining forces with Widnes Vikings and the world of Rugby League, who are uniting during one of the biggest weekends for the sport, in a programme to raise awareness amongst fans and players in how to spot the early signs of mental health problems.

STATE OF MIND HALTON will be kicking off with a series of fun events taking place throughout Widnes to promote mental wellbeing in rugby communities.   These events are also to celebrate World Mental Health Day 2011.

Anyone can come along and take part. The events will all run between 10.30 am - 1.00 pm on Saturday's as follows:

At each event, you can:

• Have a health check or get food/nutrition and weight management advice
• Take part in Touch rugby sessions with the Vikings
• Meet the Vikings players
• Win Match tickets and Grand Final Tickets
• Meet Kemik the Viking
• Children's Art Activities
• Win a Kindle - one to be won at every event
• Win cash vouchers
• Win Vikings Rugby jerseys at every event
• Take part in Tai Chi or Zumba

Plus - A young person can win the chance to be the team mascot for the first Vikings Super League match in 2012!

Widnes Vikings will be holding touch rugby league tournaments for children and adults to take part in. These tournaments will be led by the community  coaches from the Valhalla Foundation, along with first team players.   There will be tournaments for adults only, along with children's competitions.   All tournaments are open to all regardless of experience and ability.

In addition to the touch rugby league tournaments, Widnes Vikings first team players will be on hand to help brush up your skills with the delivery of 'skill zones'. Skill zones aim to improve key skills such as passing, tackling, kicking and speed and agility.   Train like a pro - with the pro's!

Go to www.mhdirectory.net for more information on these fun events.

Jen Brown, Health Improvement Specialist - Mental Health and Wellbeing at NHS Halton and St Helens said; "We are delighted to be involved in STATE OF MIND as a genuine co-ordinated response to the very real need to raise awareness and tackle the issues around mental health that affect our community.

"We are supporting local efforts to help promote STATE OF MIND and would urge anyone who feels they, or someone they know, has a mental health need that they should seek medical help. Patients should contact their GP in the first instance or in the case of emergencies your Accident and Emergency department."

All 14 Super League clubs are giving their backing to the STATE OF MIND programme, a partnership between Rugby League clubs and the NHS, endorsed by the Rugby Football League (RFL).

The STATE OF MIND Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme arose following the sad death of Terry Newton, a former player.  This initiative aims to link Rugby League Clubs, both professional and amateur, with NHS organisations and other partners in promoting awareness and mental health improvement, as well as the prevention of suicide and misuse of substances.  It aims to promote positive mental health in the sport as well as reach a wider audience, spreading its message across rugby league communities in Widnes.

At least one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life and one in six adults has a mental health problem at any one time (figures from the government's report No Health without Mental Health, February 2011).

STATE OF MIND is working with Rugby League Clubs, players and fans to ensure the following:

• Mental health prevention/awareness and well-being are priorities for the clubs
• The mental health needs of players, staff and rugby league community are identified and priorities tackled
• Mental health is a co-ordinated and integrated part of strategic planning and policy throughout the sport of rugby league
• Embody fresh thinking and encourage good practice.

During the STATE OF MIND launch weekend thousands of credit card-sized information handouts will be given to fans at home games, along with the creation of a new website and DVD.