The new Community Offload Powered by Smart Energy GB will reach RL club past player associations, Masters rugby league players and at-risk individuals and groups. As part of its mission to enable wellness in all aspects of life, the programme will cover money and energy management and how smart meters can reduce the stress associated with energy bills
Offload is an innovative mental fitness programme designed to equip people with the tools and techniques needed to become - and stay - mentally fit and well in all aspects of their lives.
The programme uses the power of sport and the lived experiences of current and retired professional athletes, to cover topics such as stress and coping, building resilience, developing a positive mindset and managing emotions.
Around 3,000 people every year experience the life-changing – and sometimes life-saving – power of Offload, and the partnership with Smart Energy GB will enable the charity to engage with upwards of an extra 2,000 participants annually.
Community Offload Powered by Smart Energy GB will also empower RL Cares to provide free access to the programme for all rugby league fans living in economically deprived communities, with a strong focus on adults who have previously not had access to mental wellbeing support.
RL Cares Director of Community Emma Goldsmith said: “We are delighted to launch Community Offload Powered by Smart Energy and are looking forward to working with such a refreshingly progressive organisation that shares so many of our values.
“Just as smart meters enable people to take control of their energy use and manage their household budgets more effectively, Offload is all about empowering people with the skills they need to take control of their own mental wellbeing.”
Smart Energy GB Deputy Director of Specialist Audiences, Phillippa Brown said: “The work of Rugby League Cares in communities across the north of England is pivotal to supporting people’s mental wellbeing. Through supportive and engaging content delivered by trusted and experienced advisors, they are able to connect with vulnerable groups where they feel most at ease.
“We are excited to be able to work with RL Cares across the Offload programme, helping the charity to provide free support to more people that are most in need.
“By harnessing the power of trusted voices within the game across the Offload programme, we hope this partnership will help more vulnerable households across England and Wales feel the financial benefits of smart meters and how they can help to reduce the stresses associated with energy bills.”
Smart Energy GB is an independent, non-profit organisation that helps households and small businesses across Great Britain to understand how smart meters can benefit them, their families and the environment. Smart Energy work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including charities and voluntary organisations to reach people throughout the country, including those in vulnerable circumstances, who may otherwise miss out on the opportunity to get a smart meter.