Crossmolina GAA champion positive mental health

THE new Crossmolina Deel Rovers GAA jersey was recently launched together with the Mindspace Mayo logo.

A huge help in the quest to change the perception of youth mental health in Mayo, Crossmolina Deel Rovers GAA and Mindspace Mayo are leading the way as advocates of positive mental health in Mayo.

It is hoped that the campaign will both raise awareness of youth mental health issues in Mayo and go some way towards tackling the stigma surrounding depression and suicide.

Evidence shows men are far less likely to seek help for mental health conditions than women so this partnership will provide a great outlet to reach out through the familiar environment of the GAA.

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.

Crossmolina GAA chairman Eamon Howley said: “Crossmolina strongly believes that talking about mental health is the game changer and through this campaign we aim to encourage and foster more conversation about the importance of young people’s mental health.

“Mental health is a key community focus area for the club, and is a cause we will continue to champion through our partnership with Mindspace.”

Mindspace project manager Peadar Gardiner said the link-up with Crossmolina Deel Rovers showcased the importance of male role models like footballers to promote positive mental health.

“Partnerships of this kind are essential to raise awareness of youth mental health, and to make our vision – building resilient healthy young people and where young people are connected to their community and have the resilience to face challenges to their mental health – a reality,” he said.

“It is so important to have male role models promoting wellness – physical, mental, and emotional – and challenging accepted masculine norms that place so much pressure on our men.”

The Mindspace model of service delivery is a response to the challenge of transforming how young people in Mayo access mental health support and attain positive developmental outcomes. Mindspace brings services and supports together to ensure that every young person has one good adult in their life to support them, whatever their level of need.

Mindspace seeks to:

(1) ensure access to youth friendly integrated mental health supports when and where young people need them

(2) build the confidence and capacity of front line workers to directly support young people and to connect them to Mindspace, and

(3) promote community awareness around youth mental health to enhance understanding of young people and the risk and protective factors that contribute to their mental health and well-being.

For further information, please check out www.mindspacemayo.ie