V O L U N T E E R
INITIATIVE
DARE TO BELIEVE AMBASSADOR
CAMPAIGN
Tackle Your Feelings AMBASSADOR
‘Tackle Your Feelings’ is a mental health and well-being campaign created by Rugby Players Ireland in conjunction with Zurich. The initiative is aimed at individuals from all walks of life and encouraging people to speak up and take control of any feelings of doubt, anxiety or uncertainty.
Billy is a proud corporate and school ambassador of the ‘Tackle Your Feelings’ campaign and is joined by various rugby players from across the country. Billy speaks at corporate and school events in relation to mental health and wellbeing, encouraging positivity, exercise, and relaxation to increase people’s mental health and well-being.
In the lead up to Christmas 2020, Billy felt it even more important to reach out to loved ones, writing a gratitude letter to his brother Sam to thank him for everything he has done to help him in his life. The campaign was shared across social media to encourage people to show their gratitude and get in touch with those that may have had a lonely Christmas due to the pandemic, see below.
CHARITY
ISPCC CHILDLINE AMBASSADOR
ISPCC Childline is Ireland’s National Listening Service for children and young people. Billy is a proud Ambassador for ISPCC Childline, promoting campaigns and creating content to be posted on social media platforms.
CHARITY
DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
Pieta House is a charity that Billy is very passionate about and was instrumental in the Irish Rugby 7’s involvement in various Darkness into Light campaigns. In light of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Billy was part of a team that orchestrated an online Zoom class whereby people engaged in a fitness class at sunrise, ran by numerous players of the Irish Rugby 7’s men’s and women’s teams.
HOSPITAL VISIT
Temple Street Hospital Visit
As part of the Irish Rugby 7’s community engagement programme in conjunction with Rugby Players Ireland, the team look to engage in homeless soup runs on Grafton street and visits to Temple Street Hospital.
The squad often attend Temple Street Hospital, bringing with them trophies in an effort to bring high spirits to the young kids who spend time in the hospital.
CHARITY
MOVEMBER
Movember is a charity initiative ran annually aimed at raising awareness around the men’s health issues.
Billy spearheaded the Irish Rugby 7’s engagement in the charity initiative, raising funds of over five thousand euros and spreading awareness through IRFU social media platforms.
CHARITY
Rugby Run
The Rugby Run was a charity campaign set up by past rugby players in an effort to raise much needed funds for the ‘Feed the Heroes’ campaign. The campaign saw rugby teams across the country participate in a relay race covering a marathon distance and document their journey throughout the day of 9th May 2020.
Members of the Irish Rugby 7’s squad and staff enjoyed creating a video incorporating the start and finish of their 5km runs.
