What is Sam's Rugby Ruck? Sam's Rugby Ruck is an initiative by the Samaritans aimed at raising awareness about mental health and emotional well-being within the rugby community.
Sam's Rugby Ruck kicked off its journey in Tullow, then Kilkenny, but had to return to Kilkenny due to inclement weather. Despite this setback, the team completed impactful talks with players in Wexford and Enniscorthy. The initiative is currently in Gorey and will move to Arklow after completing its engagement with Gorey Rugby Club.
Volunteers from different branches of Samaritans introduce themselves, explains who the Samaritans are, and discusses the essential support services provided every day and every night. Volunteers address challenges that affect individuals daily, such as social media pressures and life struggles.
We talked about confidential Support: Emphasizing the importance of a trusted confidant, volunteers highlight the need to maintain confidence if someone reaches out for help.
Volunteers discuss how to recognize a friend in distress, what signs to look for, and the importance of being there for them. It is important to ask "Are you ok" and ask twice if someone is okay.
The stress bucket metaphor is used to help individuals find solutions to their troubles, illustrating how thoughts can be managed one at a time, like emptying a tumble drier.
Physical and Emotional Well-being: Volunteers underscore that while physical injuries need care, it is equally important to seek help for emotional well-being.
Samaritan Service: The Samaritans' service is described as a confidential, non-judgemental, freephone service. Volunteers encourage reaching out to a trusted person and being that trusted person to someone else.
The initiative includes individual team talks in Rugby Clubs to talk to teams about the support the Samaritans offer.
Sam's Rugby Ruck continues to make a significant impact across more clubs, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can seek help and feel heard in a safe space.
