RUGBY player Darren Forshaw takes on another challenge when he sets off to Gambia later this month to spend 10 days working in a mental health hospital.

Twenty-seven year old Darren, who is a support worker with the North West charity Alternative Futures Group, is one of five ambassadors from the region representing AFG which provides support to adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

It’s the third tour and is part of a two year partnership programme with Gambian charity Mobee, which sees the AFG ambassadors share their experiences and help with health and wellbeing matters at Tanka Tanka hospital.

Blackbrook ARLFC and former Pilkington Recs centre or second-rower Darren, who lives in Haydock with his wife, Rachel, said: “I’m really excited and looking forward to learning about mental health issues in the Gambia and experiencing the culture.

“It’s also an opportunity to share some of my experiences as a support worker in the UK.

“It would be great if as a result of the project we can help those in need and hopefully start to change perceptions.”

AFG director Peter Flynn said: “This is an exciting and life changing learning and development opportunity. The project provides a first rate opportunity for both organisations to work together and raise awareness of mental health issues in the Gambia.

“Several of our staff have already been to Gambia where they were able to develop new skills and techniques and on their return apply them in practice.”