‘What’s Behind the Smile’ has been born from tragedy, sadly, in 2018 one of our rugby players took his own life.

This passing has had a devastating effect within the club, its members, friends and family.

More recently more personal to myself a family member and naval seaman killed himself and again there were no clues… In hindsight there were signs, but no one picked up on them.

1 in 8 adults, as well as 1 in 10 young people, will experience a mental health issue at any one time during their lifetime.

There are members in our community; now civilians, military and ex-military who face unique challenges and risks to their mental health.

Long periods of time away from family during service, exposure to high stress situations and trauma, and the difficulty of adjusting between military and civilian life; all can impact on the mental health of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

The most common ways these stressors impact on members of the armed forces are depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol misuse.

The purpose What’s Behind the Smile is to offer help to those suffering mental health anguish.

We want to raise awareness of mental health issues through the implementation of Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA).

The need to address mental health awareness is greatly important.

We want to help others. We want to make a difference.