Free mental health seminar aimed at clubs, coaches, players and parents

By Mary Dennehy

LOCAL sports stars will speak at a free mental health awareness seminar aimed at clubs, coaches, players and parents this September 14.

Taking place in Tallaght Stadium, the seminar has been organised by the South Dublin County Sports Partnership (SDCSP), with speakers from Mental Health Ireland, Jigsaw and the GAA Healthy Club Project also contributing on the night.

There will also be direct contributions on the experience and effects of mental health from guest speakers including Hannah Tyrrell, former GAA player and current Irish rugby international player – who will talk about how she experienced mental ill health, how she came to recognise it and see help.

Thos McDermott, the co-ordinator of the SDCSP, said: “Mental health has been recognised as an area of great concern in Ireland with approximately 1 in ten people estimated to be affected by depression at any one time.

“Mental health isn’t something that is left behind at home, it is brought to school, to work and to sports clubs.

“Sports bodies therefore are very important vehicles to get the conversation started, to recognise the signs and to help reduce the stigma of mental ill health.”

The seminar takes place on Wednesday, September 14, at 7.30pm in Tallaght Stadium.

All clubs are encouraged to send a representative to the free event, with all interested parties encouraged to book a place at mentalhealthinsport.eventbrite.ie, email info@sdcsp.ie or call 4149270.