In our fifth episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast "Giving back to the best game in the world", our guest Mark Shotton, one of the founders of the leading Rugby Mental Health charity Looseheadz, gives us an inspiring insight into their work.

Mark talks us through why Looseheadz was established and their vision and ambitions for the future.

On a mission to place a Mental Health lead at every rugby club in the world, Mark describes how what started as a conversation between friends in a local rugby club has grown into the charity that Looseheadz is today.

Sharing his thoughts on how important it is for him to give back to a sport that has given him so much personally, Mark gives us his perspective on the power Rugby has to support mental well-being, and explores his views on what vulnerability means both on and off the pitch.

#mentalwellbeing #wellbeinginrugby #tacklethestigma #looseheadz #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

The second part of our Tackling it Together episode” Let your past make you Better, not Bitter” is here, with one half of Smash Life, Matt Smith. Smash Life offer inspirational talks, group work, mentoring and support for professionals and young people and was founded by brothers Matt & Andy Smith who grew up in the UK care system. In the second part of an inspiring conversation, Matt talks to us about his experiences of care and his passion to use his lived experiences to support young people and challenge and shape the mindsets of professionals. Matt explores the huge impact music has had on his journey and the cathartic power of music for processing trauma. Matt gives us a fascinating insight into the creative approach Smash Life take with young people, and the impact it has. Discussing key themes around the importance of connection and legacy, Matt speaks emotionally about the need for all young people to know that there is an adult in their life who really cares about them. A truly remarkable and inspiring story of two brothers and their passion and drive to achieve genuine change! #caresystem #demonstratingvulnerability#smashlife #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Bringing you the forth episode of Tackling it Together - “Let your past make you Better not Bitter” - an inspiring conversation with one half of Smash Life, Andy Smith.

Smash Life offer inspirational talks, group work, mentoring and support for professionals and young people and was founded by brothers Matt & Andy Smith who grew up in the UK care system.

In the first of two episodes, Andy discusses how his lived experiences have shaped the creation of Smash Life and the work that they are doing.

With themes around childhood trauma, attachment, reflection and resilience, Andy talks to us about how demonstrating vulnerability, really listening and genuinely recognising the needs of young people is key to building and maintaining authentic connections.

A truly remarkable and inspiring story of two brothers and their passion and drive to achieve genuine change!

#caresystem #demonstratingvulnerability#smashlife #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird