How, why, for whom, and under what conditions can a co-produced, peer-led mental-health intervention embedded in community sports clubs reduce health stigma and improve help-seeking and wellbeing

Many men and boys find it hard to talk about mental health or ask for help. Community sports clubs are trusted places where people already look out for each other. This fellowship will work with players, coaches, volunteers, and families to design and test a peer-led approach that fits club life and helps people feel safer, more confident, and better supported with their mental and general health.

Together, we will co-design short, practical activities that can happen around training and match days: things like “check-in” drills, conversation starters, and clear steps for what to do if someone is struggling. Coaches and selected players will be trained as peer supporters. Their role is not to replace professionals, but to notice concerns early, start a caring conversation, and guide people to the right support. We will agree plain-language red-flag signs and safeguarding routes, so everyone knows when to escalate.

The project will be tested in several clubs. We will learn what works well, what gets in the way, and how to make it safe and fair for different ages and backgrounds. We will use short surveys, interviews, observations and peer-research to understand changes in confidence, help-seeking, and club culture, and to hear people’s experiences in their own words.

By the end, we will share a practical toolkit, training materials, and a simple pathway clubs can adopt and sustain. The aim is a peer-led model that reduces stigma, helps people get support earlier, and strengthens the caring culture that already exists in community rugby.