Sale Sharks is proud to support PREM Rugby with the launch of a powerful new mental health campaign Bravery Starts Here, with official charity partner Mental Health UK. Kicking off during Gallagher PREM Round 3 (10–12 October) and coinciding with World Mental Health Day on Friday 10 October – when northern grit will be showcased at its best.
Ahead of our match against Newcastle Red Bulls on Friday, we’ll stand united in a season-long campaign that harnesses the strength of the rugby community to redefine what it means to be brave.
At its heart, Bravery Starts Here will use rugby as a tool to equip fans, players, coaches, and staff with the support, connections and skills they need to be their brave, bold and determined selves on and off the pitch.
Whether it’s playing 80 minutes of high-impact rugby in front of thousands or simply getting out of bed during a tough period, Bravery Starts Here champions every act of courage, no matter how big or small, whoever you are in rugby. Together, PREM Rugby and Mental Health UK are determined to tackle the drivers of poor mental health and help remove the barriers stopping people from living life to their full potential.
“Our partnership with Mental Health UK demonstrates our commitment to using rugby as a force for good beyond the pitch. The sport is perfectly placed to be used as a tool to help people be their brave and bold selves. Bravery isn’t just in the tackles and tries – it’s in the everyday choices we make to support ourselves and each other.” Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead – Social Impact and D&I, PREM Rugby
A Community Like No Other
The campaign launches during Derby Weekend, where true northern passion will be on display as we face Newcastle Red Bulls, but even in the most heated contests, the rugby community knows how to stand united. In rugby, we are rivals for 80 minutes and teammates for life.
“We encourage everyone in the Sale Sharks community to look out for one another and make use of the tools and resources available through the Bravery Starts Here campaign. Rugby is a fierce and physical game – our fans see that bravery on the pitch every week. But off the pitch, we all face challenges that require a different kind of courage. This campaign is about recognising that being brave with your mental health is just as important. Whether it’s reaching out for help yourself, offering support to a friend, or simply getting out of bed, it’s about knowing that you’re not alone in taking that step.”
Spectators will sit side-by-side with fans of the opposing team – united by northern pride, a shared love of the game, and an understanding of the unique challenges northern communities face. That’s the unique power of rugby – fierce competition met with deep camaraderie. In the face of mental health challenges, the rugby community can become a lifeline – a place of connection, strength, and unwavering support.
PREM Rugby and Mental Health UK commissioned a piece of research with YouGov to spotlight the perceptions rugby fans have of mental health and wellbeing. The research shows that nearly 30% of rugby fans feel confident supporting others with their mental health – compared to just 25% of UK adults*. The culture of rugby, built on being brave, bold, determined and welcoming, makes it the ideal environment to break down stigma and have the conversations that matter.
Spotlight on Support
As PREM Rugby clubs and foundations, we are proud to play a role in supporting people through difficult times. Sale Sharks, through the Sale Sharks Foundation, is actively supporting mental health across the Greater Manchester area with a range of free community wellbeing initiatives.
These include Head Start sessions, regular wellbeing walks, and Sharks Forces sessions for veterans, all designed to improve mental health outcomes by providing safe, supportive environments.
The Foundation also promotes healthy lifestyles and community connection by offering warm, welcoming spaces where people can meet, talk openly, and engage in low-impact physical activity. Additionally, it signposts participants to free NHS Talking Therapies available in Trafford, Manchester, and Salford, encouraging people to seek help when they need it.
One participant, Fiona, has seen her mental health significantly improve through attending the Foundation’s Whalley Range sessions. She has spoken about how the camaraderie, open conversation, and simple acts like walking and chatting over coffee have helped lift her from a period of depression.
Join Us
Across Derby Weekend, every fixture in Round 3 of the Gallagher PREM will spotlight mental health, with clubs and communities coming together in solidarity. Look out for Mental Health UK in the Fan Zone where you can:
- buy a pin badge to show your support
- access resources to support better mental health
- donate via the roaming bucket collectors
As a club we stand together with PREM Rugby and Mental Health UK to encourage conversations and support better mental health.
Together, we’ll provide you with the tools, resources and connections needed to support everyone in our rugby family. Join us on a shared mission: to be there for each other, to start a brave conversation, and to show that bravery starts here.
Resources – Read more about the Bravery Starts Here campaign and access tools and support
