What steps can your club take to support the Mental Well Being of all members?

Tipperary Link 4 Life is an initiative developed to EDUCATE sports clubs and physical activity organisers about mental well-being. As part of Tipperary Link 4 Life, North Tipperary Sports Partnership (NTSP) have organised a SafeTALK “Suicide Alertness for Everyone” workshop in the Racket Hall House Hotel, Roscrea on Tuesday 1^st October 2013 from 9.30am to 2pm. Registration is €5 and refreshments will be provided.

Benefits to your club:

·         Learn to provide basic and practical help to persons with thoughts of suicide.

·         Learn the skills to be a suicide alert helper and be aware that opportunities to help someone at risk are often missed, dismissed and avoided.

·         Be taught the awareness of TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep-safe) and the ability to activate a suicide alert.

·         As part of keep-safe, you connect the person with thoughts of suicide to someone trained in suicide intervention (ASIST). The ASIST carer completes the helping process or connects the person to further supports.

Statistics

·         In 2009, 552 people died by suicide in Ireland (National Office for Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 2011)

·         North Tipperary averages the third highest rate of suicide.

·         1 in every 4 people will experience mental health problems in their lifetime (Department of Health and Children, 2011).

Speaking about mental well-being is NOT a sign of weakness. It is important to recognise that all people have things that weigh heavily on their minds. Physical activity offers a cost effective and fun method ofreducing anxiety, stress, frustration and depression. It offers a valuable opportunity for a person todevelop confidence, well-being and self-esteem. Clubs can support this process by:

·         Creating an environment where it is possible to open up and talk.

·         Remove expectations that people HAVE to be able to cope and explain there is ALWAYS help available.

·         Do not dismiss mental health as sad, pathetic or an illness.

·         Be aware of the services available in your area and make this information freely available to all members.

We have attached a poster advertising this workshop. We would appreciate it if you could display this poster in your club house on your notice board.

If you would like to attend this workshop, register your place or gather further information please contact Elaine, Sharon or Tara on 067-43604 or e-mail info@ntsp.ie before Tuesday 24^th September 2013.

We look forward to hearing from you.