November Organisation of the Month

Rhydyfelin Netball Club at present boasts over 100 junior and senior members. Their structure, policies and committee have been praised passionately, and players and supporters called role models within their local community. Special attention will be drawn to one of their latest campaigns relating to Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10^th, 2024. Due to, but not limited to this campaign, they are our Organisation of the Month for November.  

Mental Health Awareness Day takes place on the 10^th of October every year, to encourage everyone to come together and talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. It serves to promote ‘checking-in’ with those around you to address and communicate about wellbeing. This year, Rhydyfelin Netball Club launched their own campaign on this day, titled ‘Here If You Need’. This campaign was spread to their netball family across their social media and highlighted their openness and aim to support all. Whether those reaching out were current players, ex-players, friends, or family, the club reminded everyone that their inbox is always open, and they are #hereifyouneed to talk.

“The support they give their members is second to none. They go over and above. It’s more than just a netball club.” – Sharon Locke.

The club also encouraged other netball clubs to join in with their campaign, which they did, by sharing Rhydyfelin’s campaign post to their stories and reassuring their own club players and communities they are available for a talk. The day after this campaign launched, the club took to social media again, highlighting stories from their netball family about how the sport in particular has helped them with past and present mental health challenges.

“This organisation has been a massive part of my life the last few years. They’ve got me through a lot physically and mentally. I know they are doing the same for others.” – Shannon Baggs.

Not only have the club shown they are passionate about supporting their players mental health and wellbeing, but they also value inclusivity. Rhydyfelin and its members aim to go out of the way to make their club as welcoming as possible to newcomers of all abilities who want to enjoy the sport.

“I started with the club this season, not knowing anyone there apart from the coach, Laura, from a previous team years before. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, especially as it has been daunting to come back to something after a long time because of motherhood. I feel really proud to be a part of this club.” – Olivia Jones.

The club hosts many fundraisers such as a recent sponsored sea dip, and an upcoming Hyrox event – a great way for the team to continue to bond and an excellent initiative to raise money.

Wales Netball would like to say a big thank you to Rhydyfelin Netball Club for thinking about their members this Mental Health Awareness Day.

Wales Netball too views the wellbeing of all netball players seriously, and created a mental health awareness guide alongside the Mental Health Foundation, which you can read here: https://walesnetball.com/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health/

At the halfway point of every month, Wales Netball will announce its Organisation of the Month. An article will be displayed on our website and a post will be shared across all our social media channels.

If you would like to nominate an organisation involved in the Netball community, complete the nomination form using this link: https://forms.gle/9RxwRWndbCRX4fgCA