Vodafone has announced a partnership with LooseHeadz, rugby’s mental health charity focussed on tackling the stigma around discussing mental health and providing dedicated leads for UK clubs to support mental fitness.

As Official Connectivity Partner, Vodafone will be supporting LooseHeadz in its mission, by providing every mental health lead in the UK with SIM cards and free mobile connectivity through its everyone.connected initiative.

To mark the launch of the new partnership, LooseHeadz ambassadors and Welsh Internationals, Hannah Jones and Gwen Crabb delivered a training session to the women’s team at the Old Penarthians RFC. The aim of the session was to introduce LooseHeadz to the rugby club members, giving them insights and education on mental health, while emphasising the importance of building a supportive club culture.

As the Founding Principal Partner of Wales Women and Girls’ rugby and Principal Partner to the Wales Men’s senior rugby team and pathway teams, Vodafone said it is committed to supporting the development of rugby at all levels. This latest partnership builds upon the continued investment in grassroots clubs and programmes, helping to develop the next generation of talent. All LooseHeadz partner clubs in the UK can apply for free Vodafone SIM cards through LooseHeadz, via the everyone.connected initiative.

“Teaming up with Vodafone is a game-changer for LooseHeadz,” said LooseHeadz Co-founder, Rob Shotton. “It’s more than a partnership; it’s a commitment to using the power of connectivity with the strength of rugby to champion mental health, whilst emphasising the importance of staying connected and looking out for one another. We’re especially thrilled to focus on women and girls’ rugby in Wales, supporting their health and wellbeing. LooseHeadz is immensely proud to start working with Vodafone to make a lasting impact in rugby.”