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
say that loneliness is a problem in Ireland
1 in 5
Young People are Lonely
meaning those under 24 are the loneliest demographic
85%
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?
Read the report
Experiencing lonely times in your life
Learn when and how people feel lonely and the importance of connection.
Read the report
I'm lonely - what to do & how can sport help
Learn how sport and other ways of connecting can help
Read the report
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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