ONE OF Bolton’s largest employers has teamed up with Sale Sharks to launch a major mental health programme at one of the borough’s primary schools.

The programme, known as Are You AO-K was launched by electrical retail giant AO, alongside the rugby union giants at St Matthew’s Little Lever Primary.

Are You AO-K will be led by Sharks' coaches and will use rugby and sporting values to help youngsters care for their mental health and wellbeing, with England and Sharks legend Jason Robinson on hand to launch the programme at St Matthews.

Jason said: “When I was making my way in rugby as a young player, we didn’t have this sort of education and support.

"It would have made a huge difference to me because I struggled at times.

“These young people have so many new challenges with social media so I jumped at the chance to speak to them, to encourage them, and to remind them that they can be anything they want to be.

“I’m so proud to be involved in this project.

“It’s fantastic to see the club’s principal partner working so closely with the Sharks Community Trust to change lives in our region.”

The lessons will focus on the link between physical and mental health with children learning about how balanced diets can also be an important part of this.

There will also be signposting for a variety of different services such as NHS, Childline, MIND, Healthy Young Minds and Hub of Hope and at the end of each course, wellbeing packs will be gifted to every child that takes part.

Vicky Monk, AO's director of customer and brand, said: “Supporting mental health and wellbeing is a really important and an exciting part of our partnership with Sale Sharks.

“The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging for everyone, especially children, having faced huge disruption to their daily lives.

“So, it’s vital that we come together to make sure young people know they can speak up about their mental health.

“At AO, we’re passionate about helping young people realise their potential.

"We hope that Are You AO-K creates a lasting, positive impact on the children involved.”