Rovers support mental health programme for young men

By Maurice Garvey

SHAMROCK Rovers are the latest athletes to put their support behind a mental health course designed specifically for young men.

The League of Ireland football club, joined Straight Blast Gym and the Beacon of Light Counselling Centre, Clondalkin, to promote the Breakthrough programme.

The programme was created by Geoffrey McCarthy, General Manager at the Beacon of Light Counselling Centre, and provides one on one counselling and physical exercise training for young men aged 18-30.

Coach John Kavanagh is another well known sportsman who supports the initiative.

The 10-week course takes place at Coach Kavanagh’s Straight Blast Gym on the Old Naas Road in Dublin 12.

McCarthy says the aim of the programme is to encourage young men to ask for help.

He has established aid through the Coca Cola Thank You fund, and hopes to co-ordinate with other mental health groups as the programme develops.