Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood has backed World Mental Health Day and the re-launch of the Ahead of the Game programme at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park tonight.
“The statistics about mental health in Northern Ireland are startling and it shows that our communities have many people who are experiencing difficulties,” said Kirkwood.
“We relaunch our Ahead of the Game initiative tonight. It has a vital part to play in supporting clubs and volunteers involved in football here. It focuses on removing the stigma and stresses the importance of conversations within clubs but also between individuals.
“Our network of Mental Health Champions is another vital part of the support that we can provide, and I have been impressed with the highly motivated people who have become champions.
“Sports Chaplaincy UK also provides a very practical service, and I am delighted that many clubs, leagues and associations have appointed chaplains.
“On a personal level I found the chaplaincy service to be a great support to me during a period of bereavement and personal illness. I would encourage anyone out there who experiences distress to reach out to our services or other professional services and seek help. It’s good to talk.”
Today (10 October) is World Mental Health Day. The official theme for this year - it is set annually by the World Federation for Mental Health - is "It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace".
