Schools hear about the positive effect exercise has on mental health

Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation

Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation joined State of Mind in high schools in the borough recently to show the positive effect exercise has on mental health.

The sessions took place at St Anne’s Academy and Matthew Moss High School.

Former Hornets star Danny Sculthorpe, an ambassador for the State of Mind, delivered a talk to students in years 10 and 11 about his battles with depression.

Community coach Kirsty Crehan got the children active with a demostration of rugby skills.

Prior to the exercise, pupils took part in mental and physical tests which were re-taken after their physical session.

That showed the improvements that exercise can have on state of mind and mental health.

Rochdale Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw said: "The State of Mind programme has proven again to be hugely popular amongst teachers and children.

“We have targeted specific groups in schools with guidance from teachers, and with Kirsty’s delivery we have seen good results.”