Rugby League Cares and Leeds Rhinos Foundation join forces to help men in the area to lead healthy working lives

Rugby League (RL) Cares and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation have teamed up to deliver a life-changing initiative designed to empower men to take control of their health and lead more fulfilling lives.

- Leo Marchant

As part of a national campaign to help people who are currently not in education, training or employment (NEET), RL Cares and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation will deliver the charity's acclaimed Offload mental fitness programme to men in the city.

According to the Office of National Statistics, almost one million people across the UK are deemed to be 'economically inactive' in 2025. One in five young people who are NEET have a mental health condition, and one in 10 are jobless after leaving university.

Offload will equip participants with the tools and techniques they need to tackle issues around mental wellbeing that may act as barriers to them securing fulfilling careers or accessing training and education opportunities.

The charity has secured funding for the programme from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board as part of the Healthy Working Life campaign.

RL Cares Director of Community Emma Goldsmith said: "We are delighted to be working with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation on this hugely important programme which will set out to help young men develop the essential life skills they need to get ready for work.