Co-op for Guardian Labs

Gareth, Jon, Chris, Conor and Andrew from several Rugby clubs across the Swansea valley.
Powys has the highest suicide rate in Wales. In 2020, the charity Ystradgynlais Mindcreated the #ittakesballstotalk campaign, designed to remove stigma around mental health, as well as making support more accessible. Rugby is an important part of the close-knit community with many clubs being the social hub. As one of Co-op's charity partner, Mind have been able to train coaches and referees as ‘mental health first aiders’, who are then equipped to provide support or referrals to counsellors.