England Touch announces Brave Mind as new Charity Partner

England Touch is proud to announce Brave Mind as its newest charity partner. Working alongside an existing partner, the British Heart Foundation, the two promote good health and wellbeing in both body and mind, both of which are paramount to the organisation.

Brave Mind is a mental health charity that provides support and resources to help educate on mental wellbeing, empowering change and normalising the conversation, particularly within the rugby community. The charity runs psychoeducation programmes led by a team of Sport and Exercise Psychologists to foster a supportive environment where players and staff can openly discuss mental health challenges and better learn how to support each other.

Nationally and internationally, there is a mental health crisis. One in four adults and one in 10 children experience mental illness (NHS, 2023).  There are increasing reports of mental health challenges, increasingly with devastating consequences amongst players and staff of all backgrounds and ages across the game. 

As part of the partnership, England Touch will work closely with Brave Mind to raise awareness around mental health and provide resources and support for players, coaches, managers, volunteers, and staff within the touch rugby community.

This collaboration aims to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and create a more supportive environment for all participants involved in touch rugby.

"We are proud to partner with Brave Mind and support their important work in promoting mental health awareness," said Chris Simon, CEO of England Touch. "Mental health is a critical issue in today's society and we are committed to providing resources and support for our members to ensure their wellbeing both on and off the field."

Brave Mind founder, Simon Trower (pictured above), added: "We are delighted to partner with England Touch and work together to create a more positive and inclusive environment for everyone to participate in. Mental health affects us all, and we must continue to have open and honest conversations about how to support one another."

England Touch and Brave Mind will be launching various initiatives and campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness and provide support for those in need. The partnership will also include mental health workshops, resources, and training for participants, volunteers, and staff within the touch rugby community. Much of this support will be funded through the fundraising efforts of the family and friends of Issy Phipps, a rising star within the England Touch community who sadly died by suicide one year ago.

“Issy represented England in the Girls 18s category at the European Junior Touch Championships in Vichy, France, in 2022 and was a popular, much-loved teammate and friend to many. We know Issy’s family are keen to ensure that those who need mental health advice, support and education receive it and this will be Issy’s legacy to the game and what she would have wanted: to help others,” said Sammie Phillips, General Manager of England Touch.

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About Brave Mind

Brave Mind is a registered UK charity dedicated to and passionate about improving the mental health of people in and connected to the rugby community. Brave Mind delivers this support via a 3-point framework to build understanding, create strong connections and to encourage empowerment. Their vision is to save and improve lives, promote positive mental health and drive the conversation for everyone in the rugby community. Visit www.bravemind.co.uk to find out more.