A North East NHS charity has partnered with the most successful British basketball team of all-time, the Newcastle Eagles, to raise awareness for men’s mental health.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Bright Charity have collaborated with the Eagles to launch a new podcast series, ‘Beyond the Court,’ which aims to reduce mental health stigma.

As part of men’s mental health awareness month, a three-part podcast series has been created to open up the conversation on men’s health, having open and honest conversations with professional sportsmen.

The series explores the daily struggles faced by Eagles athletes on and off the court, featuring conversations with players Jordan Spencer, Mike Okauru, Sam Mamuini and Sauvuer Kande.

The three episodes bring different topics, life experiences, and talking points which many of us can relate to – including stress, gambling, injury, and isolation.

Newcastle Eagles head coach Marc Steutel praised his players for taking part in the podcasts, saying: “I’m pleased that we at the Eagles can work together with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Bright Northumbria on this series for men’s mental health awareness month.

“As a team we talk a lot about supporting each other and strength through togetherness, so it’s great that Jordan, Mike, Sam and Sauveur, have been able to share their experiences and stories in the hope it can help other people across the North East and beyond.”

Episode one is now live on YouTube and Spotify, featuring Jordan Spencer who started his professional career in the top-flight of British basketball six years ago.

Jordan speaks openly about his gambling addiction and how this impacted his personal life and career. He describes himself as always being in recovery and leans on his family and friends for support.

This and the other topics raised in the series feel really important to talk about, according to Head of Charity, Rob Graham.

He said: “Bright charity has valued, long-standing partnerships with the Newcastle Eagles and Eagles Community Foundation, and we were delighted when they agreed to collaborate with us on this series of podcasts on the topic of men’s health, during the month of November.

“The topics covered during the podcasts are really important ones and it is great to hear some of the Eagles’ players talking so openly about things such as gambling, mental health and resilience.

“Our partnership with the Eagles is one which is very special to Bright and I would like to thank them for their support in helping us raise awareness around men’s health.”

New episodes will be released over the next two weeks, with more amazing stories from players to be heard. Available on YouTube and Spotify.

Listen to the First Episode on Spotify:

If you someone you know is struggling with mental health, please speak to your GP or visit the NHS Mental Health Services website for more information on support available.

Get support through Every Mind Matters NHS for tips and support on general mental wellbeing and for those who need more support.

Be Gamble Aware, visit gambleaware.org to learn more.