Rugby League Cares and Dementia UK will continue providing expert and confidential support to current and former professional Rugby League players and their families and carers, after agreeing an extension of the initial two-year provision of clinics with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse which began in 2024.
And the new agreement, which has been made possible by generous supporters of the Brain Health Fund launched by RL Cares in 2023, will begin with a first clinic in the traditional and thriving Rugby League stronghold of Hull on May 6.
Appointments are available in person or remotely via telephone or video link with Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Joe Costello – full booking details below.
Admiral Nurses offer practical and emotional support on all aspects of dementia, including issues such as memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and getting a diagnosis of dementia.
Dozens of former players and their support networks have taken advantage of this completely free offer over the last two years – with many returning for additional appointments with the dementia specialist Admiral Nurse.
April’s Clinic in Leeds is fully booked, but in addition to the first Clinic in Hull – at the Holiday Inn Express on Ferensway – bookings are also being taken for June’s Clinic in Wigan, a return to Leeds in July, and a Clinic in Workington on September 2.
Steve McCormack, Director of Well-Being and Welfare for RL Cares, said:
“We think it’s so important that we can offer this expert support from Joe and Dementia UK to former players and their families, so we are delighted to be extending the availability of these clinics into a third year and also geographically with our first Clinic in Hull.
“We’ll be sharing this information with the network of Past Players Associations managed by Colin Maskill. The important thing is that people know this support is available, and that it’s completely confidential, and free of charge.
“On behalf of Rugby League Cares, Dementia UK and everyone who has benefited, we thank all those who have supported the Brain Health Fund so generously since it was opened in 2023.”
Joe Costello, Consultant Admiral Nurse for Sport and Dementia at Dementia UK, said:
“We’re delighted to extend this collaboration with Rugby League Cares to support rugby players and their families who are impacted by dementia or have concerns about their memory. Admiral Nurses offer a lifeline to families across the country, providing support for the complex challenges that come with a diagnosis of dementia. I’m looking forward to visiting Hull and returning to Leeds, Wigan and Workington to offer face-to-face support on all aspects of dementia.”
- Wednesday 1st April - Lily Room, Weetwood Hall, Leeds
- Wednesday 6th May - Holiday Inn Express Hull City Centre, 80 Ferensway, Kingston upon Hull, HU2 8LN
- Wednesday 3rd June - Orwell Meeting Room, The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan WN3 5AB
- Wednesday 1st July - Syndicate Room, Weetwood Hall Leeds,
- Wednesday 5th August – North West location to be confirmed
- Wednesday 2nd September - Melbreak Hotel, Winscales Road, Great Clifton, Workington, Cumbria CA14 1XS
About the Rugby League Cares Brain Health Fund
The Rugby League Cares Brain Health Fund was established in 2023, to focus specifically on issues around memory loss and cognitive impairment to retired players, including the education of current players and the funding of scientific research into the impact of collisions on brain health.
Rugby League Cares was founded in 2013, expanding the work of the Rugby League Benevolent Fund for seriously-injured players, to focus on the Well-Being not only of players and former players, but more widely wherever the sport is played.
To donate to the Brain Health Fund, click here
About Dementia UK
Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nursing charity that is there for the whole family. Our nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide free, specialist advice, support and understanding to anyone affected by dementia, whenever it’s needed. With the support of an Admiral Nurse and Dementia UK - whether it’s on our Helpline, through our Clinics service, or in the community - families we support know they’re not alone.
If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org. The Helpline is staffed by experienced Admiral Nurses. You can also book a free video or phone appointment to get expert dementia support from an Admiral Nurse. Find out more at www.dementiauk.org/appointment.
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