Before the Devils’ game against Huddersfield Giants Foundation Manager Neil Blackburn highlighted some of the key points from the report to a packed room including some startling statistics around the Foundation’s male Mental Health project – Offload.

Some 20 participants of those surveyed highlighted that they believed they would have taken their own lives if it wasn’t for taking part in the successful programme which is delivered by the Red Devils, Widnes Vikings and Warrington Wolves.

Other schemes such as one where elderly people stay active using boxercise have also been particularly successful. The report also highlights the large numbers of children in our local schools who come into regular contact with the Club through the Foundation.

Neil Blackburn said: “Part of our remit as a community Foundation is to be highly visible and active in our city and our projects, not just Offload, all touch people’s lives. We see and work with people of all ages across a variety of sectors including fitness and mental health. We are proud as a Foundation to be able to work so closely in our community and this year’s Impact Report is a sign of how active and important we are in the City and beyond.”

Red Devils Head of Communications, Paul McNally said: “If this is the impact report for our Foundation surely there can be no greater impact in our community than saving the lives of 20 men in the last year. 20 families haven’t had to go through the pain and suffering that suicide brings with it and it is tantamount to the fabulous success our people out in the community have had with the Offload programme.

“As well as Offload, most schoolchildren have their first interaction with Salford Red Devils through our Foundation. It is an incredibly important part of our jigsaw going forward and over the coming months we will be highlighting all of their successes to showcase the truly great work that they do.”