THE ORIGINAL RED DEVILS

Red Devils duo back mental health campaign

Salford Red Devils stars Josh Jones and George Griffin are backing a campaign that aims to encourage men to look out for their mates.
The campaign is run by Time to Change and the ‘In your Corner’ campaign highlights that you don’t need to be an expert to be there to support a friend with a mental health problem.
‘In your Corner’ has already been extremely successful receiving backing from sports stars such as footballer Clarke Carlisle, former boxers Frank Bruno and Ricky Hatton and golfer Justin Rose.
With one in four people fighting a mental health problem in any given year, Jones and Griffin are joining an elite list of sports stars calling on men to step in if their mate is acting differently.
Jones, sponsored by Oakwood Engineering, said: “My biggest challenge mentally has been with anxiety and depression.
“I’d never spoke about it and it got bigger and bigger until one day, I was probably ready to be done with rugby league.
“Luckily I had the support of those around me and got the right help.”
While Griffin, sponsored by Super Josh, added: “Sometimes the stresses and strains of the game can take its toll.
“Everyone always wants to impress and make people proud, not just others but themselves. If performances drop and people and people notice and it can be hard to get confidence back.
“But being part of a team is awesome and having people in the wings if you do need support is invaluable. The atmosphere and camaraderie amongst the boys is great.”
Sue Baker OBE is the Director of Time to Change run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness and she is pleased to have the Red Devils duo on board.
Baker said: “We’re delighted that Josh and George are throwing their weight behind our In Your Corner campaign.
“Their support will help us spread the message across the rugby league community that men should be looking out for each other’s mental health as part of being a good mate.”
For more information regarding the campaign visit the Time to Change website.
Tickets are still on sale for the Red Devils return to the The Salford Stadium against Castleford on Friday night. Supporters can purchase tickets over the phone, from the club’s ticket office or online via the club’s website. Fans are reminded that season tickets are still valid for all Super 8s home fixtures.

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