Bridlington RNLI has hosted a dedicated mental health workshop for its volunteer crew, aiming to provide them with the vital tools needed to navigate the unique psychological pressures of life-saving at sea.
Bridlington RNLI, in conjunction with the Rugby League Cares Offload programme, hosted a Men’s Health Workshop at the Bridlington Lifeboat Station, on Tuesday 3 March 2026.
The session was led by Bob Beswick, Rugby League Cares Wellbeing Programmes Manager, and former Rugby League professional with clubs including Wigan and Leigh. Offload is an innovative mental fitness initiative that focuses on personal wellbeing and equipping individuals with the skills to support colleagues. The programme has already reached more than 30,000 participants across the North of England.
The event at Bridlington was hosted by Jason Luff and Lynn Shaw, Co-Chairs of the RNLI Men’s Health Network. Lynn, who also serves as Lifeboat Management Group Chair at Bridlington RNLI, said,
‘This is a pilot event for the RNLI, and we are delighted that it’s being held at Bridlington. Many of our crew are attending, as well as operational crew from flanking stations and even from as far away as Tower Lifeboat Station in London.’
The workshop provided an interactive environment where attendees could openly share experiences and explore practical ways to maintain and improve mental wellbeing. The relaxed and accessible delivery style proved highly effective and was praised by participants. Darren Hickey, Lifeboat Operation Manager at Withernsea RNLI, said
‘I was really impressed with the session. I felt it was provided at a perfect level with the course provider putting people at ease, making it easier to contribute. I feel this should be rolled out around the fleet.’
Mike Picknett, Lifeboat Operation Manager at Redcar RNLI, added,
‘I really enjoyed the engaging and open style from Bob. He was able to get full engagement from a group that would traditionally be very reserved on the topic of mental health and how it affects us personally. If you get the opportunity to attend, take it.’
Following the success of the pilot, plans are already in place to repeat the workshop, using Bridlington as a model for future RNLI events.
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