Winter 2020Stephen Gartland Foundation

The Stephen Gartland Foundation was set up by Brad Gartland in memory of his father Stephen, a former rugby league player and coach.

He spoke to Katie Davies about the stigma surrounding men and their mental health, and what he is doing to help raise awareness.

The Stephen Gartland Foundation officially launched at Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club in February 2017.

Following a battle with anxiety and depression, Stephen Gartland, an avid rugby player turned influential youth coach and aeronautical engineer, sadly took his own life in August 2016, aged just 45.

Recognised as ‘Garty’ to all that knew him, Stephen grew up in Oldham and in his youth played rugby professionally for Rochdale Hornets, Oldham Roughyeds, and Swinton Lions, building a career that spanned nearly a decade from when he was first signed in the early nineties.

After retiring from his playing career, Stephen became a popular youth coach, coaching the ‘Garty’s Boys’ youth side at Rochdale Mayfield, where he had also played for the open age first team, hoping to inspire youngsters into the game that he loved.

In the months that followed his death, Stephen’s eldest son, Brad, launched the Stephen Gartland Foundation in his memory. He wanted to encourage men to speak out about their problems, but to also give back some of his father’s generosity to the local community, carrying on his legacy.

It was decided the foundation, also known as SG6, would raise funds for local junior sports teams, including for kits and equipment, as well as medical treatment and equipment for sick children. It also aims to contribute towards Andy’s Man Club - a group where men can meet to talk about their problems in a safe environment and speak with others who have faced similar situations.

24-year-old Brad, who lives in Lowerplace with his mum Joanne and 22-year-old brother Liam, said: “My dad was such a thoughtful, generous and caring man who gave up a lot of his time to help others. After he took his own life, it left a massive hole in everyone’s hearts.

“He was a man who was full of inspiration and he was the life and soul of the party. For this to happen to such a happy, outgoing, and passionate person just shows how powerful depression, and mental health issues, can be.

“We are such a close family that would always be open about anything, but dad never felt that it was okay to talk about how he was feeling because he was too proud.”

Members of the community shared details of the social media campaign #ItsOkayToTalk in Stephen’s memory. The campaign, founded by Halifax rugby league player Luke Ambler, raises awareness of male suicide and works to remove the stigma of depression.

The road leading to the Mayfield ground in Castleton has been named after the late coach, known today as ‘Steve Gartland Way’ and Rochdale Hornets also lent support, with the inaugural Steve Gartland Memorial Trophy.

Ben Nevis climbs, sponsored bike rides, an annual T20 cricket match and running from Carlisle to Newcastle are just a few examples of how SG6 supporters have fundraised over the last three years, raising thousands of pounds to make life easier for people experiencing difficulties.

In return, the foundation has donated thousands to worthy causes, ranging from youth sport organisations to supplying a month’s worth of food vouchers to a young mother diagnosed with terminal cancer and donating towards the cost of materials so a boy suffering with a chronic condition could regain his independence.

Most recently in June 2020, Brad Gartland and his brother, Liam, presented Rochdale RSPCA with a £500 cheque after seeing the damage caused to its premises by flash flooding.

“My family and I want to thank all the sports clubs and individuals who have helped us through fundraising over the past few years, generally supporting us and spreading the word,” said Brad. “You are all massively appreciated and we wouldn’t have accomplished what we have without you.”

Data from the Office of National Statistics reveals that in 2019 the male suicide rate for England and Wales was the highest it has been for two decades, with around three-quarters of registered suicide deaths among men (4,303 deaths compared with 1,388 female deaths). The highest age-specific suicide rate was of men between the ages of 45 to 49 years.

Brad continued: “It’s frightening how high the numbers are, yet mental health and suicide get very little attention. It is vitally important that men feel comfortable to talk about their feelings and issues.

“People might look like they are okay on the outside, but they might be facing so many different problems on the inside. Never take for granted that people feel okay.

“I want it to change for other people, so they don’t have to go through what my dad did.”

The Stephen Gartland Foundation recently gave a donation to support the formation of the ‘Man Down Club’ at Littleborough Amateur Boxing Club.

The project was started by friends of Mark Topham who sadly took his own life in November 2019 and is a weekly session open to men to go along and talk or box, encouraging them not to ‘bottle it up’.

Brad has also been involved with Andy’s Man Club since 2016 which organises group sessions for men to meet and talk about issues or problems they may be facing or have faced. He has been passionate since his father’s death to help set up a group in the Rochdale borough.

A new Andy’s Man Club has recently launched, meeting at Mayfield Sports Centre, Chadwick Lane, Rochdale, OL11 3BY, every Monday from 7pm and is open to any male aged over 18.

“A problem shared can be a problem solved. Please talk to someone.”

The Stephen Gartland Foundation is a volunteer led group that relies solely on donations from the public.

If you need support or you would like to donate to the foundation, visit the Facebook page: @StephenGartlandFoundation

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at , or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.