Rugby League Cares is responding to the second national lockdown by making its acclaimed Offload mental fitness programme available to fans across the UK.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact on the mental health of people of all ages and backgrounds, RL Cares has thrown an open invitation to the Rugby League family to join a new series of virtual workshops.

Designed to equip people with the tools, technique and skills needed to develop good mental fitness in difficult times, ‘Offload Online Live!’ will be delivered by former Rugby League stars every Thursday for six weeks from November 12.

All the ex-players have undergone mental health first training and have been actively involved in the charity’s health programmes over recent months.

During the ‘Offload Online Live!’ fixtures, the players will share their own personal experiences of dealing with adversity, coping with pressure and overcoming challenging situations.

RL Cares Community and Welfare Manager Keith Senior, the former England and Great Britain player, said: “These are difficult times for everyone, especially the Rugby League communities which have been hit hard by the effects of a series of measures imposed in between the two lockdowns.

“The Rugby League family is hurting and we are keen to do what we can to help people get through.

“The ‘Offload Online Live!’ fixtures will build on the success of Offload, which has helped more than 2,000 people develop good wellbeing over the last three years.

“The fixtures are designed to be engaging, informative and upbeat: I’m sure everyone who joins in will find they make a positive difference to their lives.”

Each of the six ‘Offload Online Live!’ will have a special theme, starting with ‘What is mental fitness’ presented by Kiwi legend Robbie Hunter-Paul and ex-Sheffield and Halifax hooker Johnny Lawless.

‘Offload Online Live!’ fixture take place every Thursday evening at 6.45pm, starting on Thursday November 12. To join, please click here.