Stars backs Mental Health Campaign

The IFA, Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby have united in support of the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) campaign to encourage young men, particularly those aged 15 to 24 years, to talk about their problems and seek help.

The three organisations, represented by Armagh’s Oisin McConville, Crusaders’ Colin Coates, and Ulster Rugby’s Justin Fitzpatrick are lending their support to the HPA campaign and raising awareness of mental health issues among players and supporters.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “To reduce the number of deaths by suicide in Northern Ireland it is vital to continue to raise awareness about mental health and suicide and help change public attitudes around talking about problems.

“Many young men, particularly in our target age group, respect and identify with sports personalities and are often more likely to take notice of them rather than some health professionals. The support of key sports organisations such as Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA and IFA can only help to fight the stigma that unfortunately continues to surround mental health here.”

The organisations have been working with the HPA to highlight the issue to participants and supporters, in the sports.  Already this summer the Ulster GAA has promoted the mental health message, ‘Don’t cover up your problems,’ at Championship matches in Hurling and Football.