At the heart of Offload was a desire by RL Cares to base the programme on men’s needs and preferences, supported by academic research and evidence from Edge Hill. This research informed the creation of effective weekly sessions that engaged and built trust with the participants and shaped the monitoring and evaluation of Offload.

During the initial pilot phase, Offload was run by RL Cares with support from State of Mind with the aim of addressing mental health problems by inviting men to talk and engage with current and former players at Warrington Wolves, Salford Red Devils and Widnes Vikings.

The research conducted by Edge Hill has since enabled RL Cares to secure funding to expand Offload at other clubs, including St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Featherstone Rovers, and the research team will continue supporting the monitoring and evaluation of the programme.

In focus groups held as part of the wider evaluation, the participants were extremely positive with the amount of support and trust provided by the presenters and the relatability of their experience to those of men. The men also felt that Offload gave their lives structure, provided ownership over their mental health and prevented isolation by helping them to engage with others whether in-person or via social media.

One participant said: “I can honestly say Offload saved my life. That night that I went to Offload for the very first time, I was planning to do it [attempt to take my own life] again, so I can’t sing its praises enough to be honest. I wouldn’t be here without it.”

Offload hailed as a sporting success story by major academic study