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Why you should read this article: • To be aware that the regular abuse experienced by rugby league match officials can negatively affect their mental health and well-being • To enhance your understanding of the effects of verbal and physical abuse on rugby league match officials • To consider the role of mental health nurses in supporting the mental fitness of match officials and others involved in sport Abuse of match officials in rugby league and other sports is common. Such abuse has a negative effect on match officials' mental fitness, self-esteem and confidence and is one of the main reasons for them leaving, or wanting to leave, their sport. Mental health nurses working alongside match officials, for example teaching self-care skills and resilience to cope with negative experiences, is an innovative approach to improving mental fitness and preventing mental health problems among this group. This article discusses some of the issues faced by rugby league match officials. It also describes the findings of a small-scale evaluation that examined the effects of the role, specifically that of referee, on their mental health. The authors also consider the role of mental health nurses in supporting mental fitness in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on change focusing particularly on people with co-existing mental health and substance use problems. He argues that these people with dual doagnosis find it more difficult to initiate and maintain change. He suggests that a team's role should be to believe in that person when no one else can/will. Further, it states that despite people's own successes or difficulties in managing and achieving change, it may be frustrating supporting change in the people they work with.

The article reports about the activities at the conference of the Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust held in Ipswich in Suffolk, Great Britain. The conference also hosted the journal launch of Mental Health and Substance Use. It was attended by clinicians, researchers and educators. The activities are described in brief.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including an argument for adopting the term co-existing problems and dual diagnosis.