Rams RFC, Berkshire: Building a Supportive Club Culture.

The Need

Mental health challenges among children and young people are becoming increasingly urgent. Approximately 14.4% of primary school-aged children (5–10 years) are living with a probable mental disorder, and half of all mental health issues begin by the age of 14.

The most common problems are emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression, which can deeply affect a child’s ability to learn, connect, and thrive. These issues often go unnoticed or unsupported, especially in early education settings, where the focus is heavily academic.

 Without timely intervention, these struggles can escalate, impacting long-term wellbeing and life chances. This growing crisis highlights the vital role Brave Mind can play in providing early support, building resilience, and ensuring no child faces mental health challenges alone.

What Brave Mind did

Brave Mind has been working closely with Rams RFC to promote mental wellbeing across the club, from Minis through to senior teams.

Brave Mind recently attended a Minis Festival at the club, bringing mental health to the forefront of youth rugby, creating space for conversations around wellbeing in an environment often dominated by performance.

The charity also funded members of the coaching and safeguarding team, including the Mini’s Manager, to complete the Mental Health First Aid course. This training has given staff the tools to spot early signs of distress and respond with confidence and compassion, embedding a stronger, more supportive culture throughout the club.