Mayo GAA and charity partner Mindspace Mayo are encouraging supporters to get involved in the ‘Play Your Role’ campaign.
Because when it comes to your mental health, having a strong network of ‘team-mates’ is essential, and playing your role goes a long way towards helping everyone get through the ups and downs of life.
Mindspace Mayo want to encourage those across sporting communities to think about what role they can play to be there for their family and friends.
So, how can you play your role and be the best team-mate you can be?
A good place to start is to remember these four keywords: look, ask, listen and support.
Supporters are encouraged to support their friends by getting involved in the Play Your Role campaign and taking one of the following steps:
Look out for changes in behaviour that may be a sign a friend might be struggling. They might seem on edge or are less social than usual.
Ask how they are doing. Even if they say they’re fine, checking in shows you care.
Listen openly and without judgement if a friend says they’re not fine.
Support a friend by making sure they know you’re there for them and connect them with support if they need it.
Mindspace Mayo Project Manager Peadar Gardiner said the charity partnership with Mayo GAA took on even greater meaning this year.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of people in many ways, so this campaign is a reminder that we can all play a role in supporting others,” he said.
“All sports provide a great opportunity to provide that support, on and off the field, to make mental health a part of everyday conversations, to reduce stigma and encourage support-seeking.
“So at a time when many young people are having it tough, I want to thank Mayo GAA for their continued support.” Over the last two years we have worked together to help break down the stigma around mental health and play our role in encouraging people to have important conversations about mental health,” he said.
