THE Choose Life Challenge Cup, Lothian Five-a-Side Football Tournament will take place on Saturday 7 September from 9.30am until 12.30pm at Gracemount Leisure Centre, 22 Gracemount Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 6RN.
John Murphy is a project worker with Scottish charity, Health in Mind, and, as the event organiser, he believes the Choose Life Challenge Cup is a fantastic event for ‘kicking off’ Suicide Prevention Week which runs until Saturday 14 September.
John continued: “So many young men find it hard to talk about their feelings and football is one of a number of activities that promotes a sense of belonging, reduces isolation and offers a comfortable space for guys to get together.
“The event provides a great opportunity to find out about the issues and the services available locally.
“Teams from Edinburgh, Mid, East and West Lothian are taking part but would we like more teams to register as well as people to come along and support the tournament on the day.”
John is keen to point out that finding out about the issues means we can help the people we care about.
“If there’s someone you know who you think might be considering suicide; ask them and be willing to listen and encourage them to get help – you could help save their life.
“Alternatively, if you are feeling suicidal, don’t hide it; find someone you trust and talk to them.”
The Choose Life Campaign is part of the national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide in Scotland.
The partners in the Choose Life Challenge Cup – Lothian Five-a-Side Football Tournament are: NHS Lothian, East Lothian Council, The City of Edinburgh Council, Midlothian and West Lothian Councils.
To register your team or find out more, contact John Murphy on 0131 663 1616.
ENDS
For further information contact Doreen Graham, Health in Mind Communications Manager Tel: 0131 243 0137 or doreen@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Notes for editors:
About Choose Life
On average, two people die from suicide in Scotland every day.
In 2002, Choose Life was launched, a ten-year national strategy and action plan from the Scottish Executive to prevent suicide in Scotland. The target is to reduce the rate of suicide by 20 per cent by 2013.
The Choose Life strategy has six objectives:
- identify and intervene to reduce suicidal behaviour in high risk groups
- develop and implement a co-ordinated approach to reduce suicidal behaviour
- ensure interventions to reduce suicidal behaviour are informed by evidence from research and evaluated appropriately
- provide support to those affected by suicidal behaviour
- provide education and training about suicidal behaviour and promote awareness about the help available
- reduce availability and lethality of methods used in suicidal behaviour.
Who is involved?
The responsibility for achieving these aims lies with both national and local organisations including the Scottish Government, NHS, local authorities and voluntary organisations. There is a national monitoring group that meets quarterly to monitor progress.
Health in Mind
Health in Mind promotes positive mental health and wellbeing in Scotland.
Whether someone uses our services, volunteers, works with us or participates in our training, we want them to benefit from the knowledge and experience which we bring to our work.
Many of our services have been developed in direct response to demand from people who felt that their needs weren’t being met – that often meant undertaking research to understand the concerns; telling people about the issues and developing practical solutions. Our work with BME groups, childhood sexual abuse and information provision all came about in this way.
Health in Mind also provides support, respite and befriending services, as well as day services and counselling/talking therapies – both face to face and on the telephone. So when someone buys into our services, they are also able to access a wealth of understanding and skill around mental health and wellbeing. http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk/
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Contact: Doreen Graham
Phone: 01312430137
Email: doreen@health-in-mind.org.uk
Website: http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk
