What is Flip The Script Friday?

Flip The Script Friday is an event where we invite organisations/adults onto our website/social media to answer the questions that young people have for them.

Why is it a thing?

This is an opportunity for young people’s voices to be heard and to have their questions answered. But equally, it’s a chance to destigmatize the discussion of mental health, highlight the great work that organisations are doing and to make reaching out for support from them less intimidating.

This week…

We collaborated with Dallagio Rugby Works who exist to improve the lives and futures of young people across England and Wales. We do this using rugby and it values to support physical and mental wellbeing. We also aim to raise aspirations and develop life skills to arm young people with the knowledge, confidence and belief in their futures.

Q&A Time

We had so many questions sent in by young people to our Instagram @platfform4yp and here are some of the highlights!

What do you think of Flip the Script?

Its a great way to engage and makes people such as myself easily accessible to anyone looking for help!

Is there any stigma around the work you do? If so, what should people know about your role?

The stigma is usually attached to the young people we work with. They can very often find themselves written off by society before their lives have even begun, you wouldn’t write a rugby game off after 15 minutes so why write a person off at 15 years old.

What advice would you give young people if they want to be like you?

Just be yourself, find out what motivates you and channel your energy in that direction. If you like sport and have an interest in coaching, go down to your local sports club, ask can you get involved.

What opportunities do you have within your organization?

We are currently looking for some extra coaches. Flexible roles that would suit a university student or young person looking to gain a bit of paid coaching experience based mostly in Merthyr.

How can young people get involved in these opportunities?

Go on to our website dallagliorubgyworks.com and click on join our squad.

Where do you get the motivation to do the work you do?

I was excluded from several schools when I was younger, have been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD and tourettes and ended up homeless for several months. There was very little support when I hit my low and I want to make sure others do not end up in a similar situation feeling unsupported and worthless.

What advice would you give young people who are struggling with their mental health?

Your not alone, mental health amongst young people as a growing concern. There are people who can help you whether it’s a professional or just an adult/friend you can trust. Find people you can trust and let them know your struggles, very often youll find people just want to help, don’t suffer in silence.

Where do you see your organization going in the future?

We are hoping we can reach every young person in need across the UK, we want each and every young person to have the same access to support which will enable them to raise their aspirations for the future.

What is one thing that you would like to change within mental health?

The stigma and labels attached to it. People with mental health are far more likely to struggle to gain meaningful employment. I’m lucky that Dallalgio RugbyWorks see my mental health conditions as a plus and enable me to set and example to others that mental health doesn’t need to be a barrier.

How has lockdown affected the work you do?

It affected us massively, we rely on sport to develop relationships with our young people so not being able to throw a ball about while talking to them made it very difficult to maintain connections. We have had to work extremely hard to reignite those relationships over the last 12 months and will continue to do so over this academic year.

Who is your favourite rugby team and player and why?

Favourite team is Neath RFC. As a Neath native I grew up hearing about the famous Neath team of the early 90s and game day down the Gnoll is a fantastic experience. Favourite player I’d say Justing Tipuric. He has to be the most complete rugby player on the planet, you could literally put a team of 15 Tipurics on a pitch and he’d do a decent job anywhere.

What is your spirit animal? 

I would say a wolf, they like to travel in packs and the strongest always look out for the weakest. I’ve actually got a tattoo of a wolf on my back.

What do you think of the ‘drop the diagnosis’ movement, is there a middle ground? 

I think that professionals can be overly keen to label mental health and slap labels on people too easily. I myself have been diagnosed with 3 different mental health conditions, 2 of which I’m not fully convinced by. Mental health is very personal to na individual and while it can make it easier to put labels on it, each person has their own mental health struggles which are usually a mixture of various labels.

How do you look after your mental health after a long day at work?

I am a very keen gym-goer. I always try and make time for this as I can get a bit grouchy if I go several days without a session. I am also a very keen reader and enjoy rugby autobiographies in particular. I am currently working my way through Alun Wyn Jones’ autobiography.

If there is one thing that you would want young people to take away from this experience, what would it be and why?

Don’t try and be someone you are not to conform to other peoples opinions and values, there’s only one of you so embrace it as you’ll never be fully content trying to be someone you’re not. Be yourself and if you are struggling ask for help.  

What is your favourite way to spend the day off?

As I have two young children, we usually do some type of family activity on my days off. Margam park is a particular favourite. We are a very outdoors kind of family so will always look to be close to nature.

What is one piece of advice that you were given that you’ll never forget?

When I was in school I was told make the most of the support available to you. Unfortunately I didn’t listen and had to learn some hard lessons later in life.

How important is sport to improving your mental health?

Sport is key for my mental health, without the gym and rugby I would struggle for an outlet for my extra energy and frustrations. Team sports like rugby also give me the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and banter of others.

What does your day-to-day look like with Dallaglio Rugby Works?

I know its cliché, but every day is different. I go to different schools across south Wales and I never know what frame of mind the young people will be in when I get there. Sometimes they have had a good week and are positive and eager to get involved, sometimes they have face negativity and need more support and sometimes just a quiet chat so they can get things off their chest. Almost every day involves some rugby, laughter with the young people and unfortunately the dreaded admin so we can measure the impact we have on young people,

That's a wrap! Thank you so much to Chris and South Wales Police for taking the time to do this Q&A and for supporting Platfform4YP

Want to get involved with Dallagio Rugby Works! Make sure to follow them on Instagram at Dallagliorugbyworks or Dallagliorw_Wales

Missed out on asking a question this time? No Worries! Keep an eye on our Instagram @platfform4ypfor the next Flip The Script! Want to ask a specific individual/organisation questions? DM us and we will make it happen! Until next time!