RFU: Chatter 4 Chaps, a space for men to talk about their mental health

In 2021, we made a commitment to work on initiatives that focus on the diversity and inclusion of all our employees. We want to celebrate who we are. With this in mind, we came up with the idea of The Belonging Series. The idea of this series is to share employee stories of who we are, both at work but also outside work. These colleagues have generously allowed us to share their experiences externally to give people interested in a job at England Rugby a window into what it is like to work here.

 

Belonging Series: Wayne Reed and Chatter 4 Chaps

One of our colleagues from the South West created the group Chatter 4 Chaps, a space for men to talk about their mental health and any challenges they might be facing. Here is Wayne talking about why he decided to set the group up.

 

Wayne Reed

 

During the lockdown, both of my sons, who are 20 and 23, started suffering from anxiety. My mum was also diagnosed with cancer, so I myself started to develop my own anxieties during this time. I wanted to try to help my sons and myself, so I completed the Mental Health First Aid course which really helped me to understand the condition that we were experiencing. It also gave me some coping strategies that we have all used and the ability to understand what is happening to us. Luckily, as all of you who know me will know already, I am a good talker and happy to share my thoughts openly. However, I have noticed a lot of my colleagues don't seem so comfortable doing this. So, I wanted to create a safe space where we could get together, support each other and be BRAVE and say it’s OK to admit we have problems and that it’s not a weakness.

 

Wayne is one of our employees who works remotely and here he talks about his experiences and how he tackles isolation.

It can be a lonely place working remotely, especially if you live in darkest, deepest rural Devon like me. Some days I don't see another person all day and I miss the human connection! So I try to check in once a day with at least one of my colleagues  just for a catch-up or a chat to see how they are doing. Then once a week I try to take the opportunity to engage with somebody outside of my area team to establish those important human connections. I also have a dog called Ruby who keeps me company which helps!

 

As with all our belonging series, we asked Wayne what belonging at the RFU feels like to you.

Being part of the RFU for me is like being part of a huge rugby club that is almost a family as well. I owe so much to rugby, the game saved me when I was lost as a youngster and heading down the wrong path. So to have the opportunity to work in the game and give something back gives me an amazing sense of honour and reward. I love that it doesn't matter what our role is within the organisation; it's the passion and love for the game that drives and motivates us all. We are all individuals with different strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately with have the same basic goals. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I am very proud to share what my role is with everyone I meet.

 

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