AO teams up with Sale Sharks rugby team on mental health programme in North West schools
Online electricals retailer AO has launched a new mental health programme for children in the North West.
Launched at St Matthew’s Little Lever Primary School in Bolton today, the ‘Are you AO-K’ initiative takes the form of a curriculum that has been created in collaboration with Sale Sharks’ charitable partner Sharks Community Trust, which uses rugby and the values of the sport to change lives across the region.
The scheme has been designed to raise awareness amongst children about positive mental health and wellbeing. Lasting up to six weeks at a time, the lessons will be taught in 125 schools across the North West over the next five years and will be delivered by Sharks Community Trust coaches, who have England Rugby level 2 and Level 3 awards in education and training. The coaches will be supported by the club’s players and staff, including Sharks club non-executive director Jason Robinson.
Robinson was on hand to help AO launch the programme and talked to students about his own life story and the barriers he overcame to become one of rugby’s most decorated stars.
Vicky Monk, director of customer and brand at AO, said: “Supporting mental health and wellbeing is a really important and exciting part of our partnership with Sale Sharks.
“The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging for everyone, especially children, having faced huge disruption to their daily lives. So, it’s vital that we come together to make sure young people know they can speak up about their mental health.
“At AO, we’re passionate about helping young people realise their potential and we hope that Are You AO-K creates a lasting, positive impact on the children involved.”
