Breaffy GAA Club has extended its commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health with the announcement that Mindspace Mayo will now feature on the club's u14 jerseys. It is hoped that the campaign will raise awareness of youth mental health issues in Mayo. GAA clubs have the ability to educate the community on the power of positive mental health and to ensure people understand the importance of seeking help and understanding the services available to them.
Coaching officer for Breaffy GAA Sean Deane applauded the work the club is doing for positive mental health promotion “We’ve taken proactive steps to ensure mental health is part of the conversation at our club, and we’re hoping that if our members and the wider public sees that we’re comfortable talking about mental health, they’ll think about talking about it with their friends and families too,” he said.
Mindspace project manager Peadar Gardiner said it was great to see Breaffy GAA talking about mental health and setting a wonderful example. “We’re extremely proud of our partnership with Breaffy and grateful for all the work the club does within the community to raise awareness of youth mental health. In football, teamwork is everything, and the strength of the team is in its support of each individual. These jerseys illustrate how that support carries on and off the pitch, and have the potential to bring some very important conversations out into the open.”
One in three young people will experience mental health distress. Mindspace Mayo assists young people meet the demands of life. The aim is to ensure that when young people are struggling, they get the support they need, when and where they need it. Mindspace offers a support service to young people presenting with anything from common concerns (eg, dealing with break-up, exam stress, bullying, and sexuality ) to young people with emerging mental health difficulties such as mild depression and anxiety.
With mental health being the primary health concern affecting young people today, the development of accessible and appropriate services has never been more important. Access to early and timely support is the key to resolving many of the difficulties that young people experience. Mindspace Mayo is that early intervention. It is a free, non-judgmental, and confidential service for young people aged 15 to 25. For further information check out www.mindspacemayo.ie
