Flaming Unicorns: Tackling Mental Health Stigma
Tough Enough to Care, with its rugby team The Flaming Unicorns, is tackling mental health stigma in sports by turning clubs into safe spaces for open dialogue, support, and life-saving conversations.
Tough Enough to Care is a charity setup to raise awareness of mental health issues and to tackle the stigma surrounding it head-on in male dominated spaces.
Their aim is to provide help and support to anyone affected by mental health issues.
Volunteers regularly visit rugby and other sports clubs, raising awareness of mental health issues, offering guidance on supporting friends and family, and connecting people to additional resources where needed.
In urgent cases, specialist volunteers are available to provide crisis intervention.
Meet the Flaming Unicorns
The Flaming Unicorns are the official rugby team of Tough Enough to Care, committed to breaking the silence surrounding mental health and suicide in sports. Through events, games, and outreach, the Flaming Unicorns create supportive environments where open discussions about mental well-being can thrive.
To arrange a talk or event with Tough Enough to Care and The Flaming Unicorns, contact Alex Harrison at [email protected]
The Story Behind the Flaming Unicorns
It all began with a rugby tournament called “Tough Enough to Play” – an event that united players from across the country to raise funds for Tough Enough to Care. After the games, players felt inspired to form a dedicated team that would play a few times a year to continue these important conversations about mental health and support the charity’s mission. This team became known as The Flaming Unicorns, symbolising the rarity and value of men openly discussing their mental health.
With a distinctive kit and the support of sponsors Trojan, The Flaming Unicorns have grown into a community of over 200 male & female players, including current and retired players, referees, and supporters playing upwards of ten games per season.
Together, they all share a common mission – to raise funds for Tough Enough To Care and combat the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Our Mission
Suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 15–54 in the UK.
The Flaming Unicorns are dedicated to changing this reality by fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and openness within sports clubs. Tough Enough To Care and The Flaming Unicorns aim to transform clubs into safe spaces for mental health dialogue, empowering individuals to share their stories, seek help, and reduce the stigma around mental health issues in sports.
Together, let’s make the Flaming Unicorns a catalyst for change—sparking life-saving conversations and building a compassionate community in sports.
To arrange a talk or event with Tough Enough to Care and The Flaming Unicorns, contact Alex Harrison at [email protected]
Related Information
