Laya Healthcare
Your trusted health and wellbeing partner in rugby
At laya healthcare, we take immense pride in our role as the Official Health and Wellbeing partner of Connacht Rugby, Leinster Rugby and Munster Rugby. Our partnerships with Munster and Connacht Rugby date back to 2020, while we have been partners with Leinster Rugby since 2015. Through research with experts, laya healthcare unearthed that loneliness is a silent and growing epidemic amongst Irish society which, if not caught in time, can impact mental and physical health. Further research carried out by laya healthcare, informed our master commitment to help decrease loneliness and the stigma surroundings it for people in Ireland using sport and rugby as an outlet for purpose, community and shared connection.
Loneliness
The Stats
93%
of Adults
of Adults
say that loneliness is a problem in Ireland
1 in 5
Young People are Lonely
Young People are Lonely
meaning those under 24 are the loneliest demographic
85%
of People
of People
agree that sport can help combat loneliness
How sport can be the solution
A large piece of research was undertaken and funded by laya to get an understanding of the state of the nation, to get under the skin of this health issue and how sport and rugby could be part of a solution. This was supported by loneliness experts and the aim was to find out more about loneliness in Ireland and its impact on society, and possible solutions that can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. One of these experts was Dr Joanna McHugh Power (BA,PhD), who worked on the development of this programme. With 15 years experience as an academic psychologist, working on topics such as isolation and loneliness, she has written over 70 peer reviewed publication on these topics. Dr Joanna in partnership with laya has developed the below resources which will help inform and educate you on the topic of loneliness: What is loneliness? When are the lonely times in life? What to do if you feel lonely?
How to tell if you're feeling lonely
How to tell if you are lonely and what kind of loneliness you may be feeling?
Experiencing lonely times in your life
Learn when and how people feel lonely and the importance of connection.
I'm lonely - what to do & how can sport help
Learn how sport and other ways of connecting can help
Episode 1
The Backroom Team
There is an opportunity for you to connect and sport is one of those wonderful ways to do it… Dr. Emma Burrows, Personal Development Manager for Leinster Rugby, discusses the modern concept of loneliness, how Leinster Rugby look after their players welfare and how participating in sports – be it playing on the pitch, assisting from behind the scenes, or as a part of the crowd supporting from the sidelines – can help to combat it.
Episode 2
The Player
If you are struggling with something, I would say just talk to someone… Santiago Cordero, professional rugby player for Connacht Rugby, tells us how being part of the Connacht community really helped him to stay positive, while recovering from a significant injury. Away from his home in Buenos Aires and unable to train or blend into squad life, it could have been very easy for the loneliness to seep in, had it not been for the support of his team and the wider rugby community.
Episode 3
The Volunteer
I think it’s really a sense of community, a sense of friendship and a sense of belonging… /p Official Leinster Supporters tell us how important volunteering at leinster Rugby is to them and how rugby as a sport and its welcoming community has impacted their lives, creating a sense of family and connection. ‘The OLSC (Official Leinster Supporters Club) is built on volunteers… but it’s not just volunteering at the end of the day, it leads to friendships.’ ‘It’s family to me… and what has kept me in Ireland all these years.’
Loneliness
We are one. Always.
Laya healthcare, in partnership with Connacht, Leinster and Munster Rugby, is proud to launch a series of initiatives called 'We are One', aimed at addressing loneliness in Ireland. These initiatives will include supporter event catch ups, programmes to encourage former new fans to attend game and much more. We are working alongside the provinces to positively impact this issue and we invite you to join us in our mission to combat loneliness.
For a lot of people loneliness comes from a lack of social connection. Together with the provinces we are proud to continue to build the rugby community as a welcoming and inclusive one. Our initiatives are based on the insight that most people believe sport can be a powerful way to combat loneliness.
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