Paisley Daily Express

Kicking off to boost better mental health

- DAVID CAMPBELL

Barrhead side Arthurlie U-20s will proudly display the name of a mental health support group across its jersey this season.

The club revealed it has teamed up with Lean On Me to promote their message, which advocates for positive mental health for everyone.

The aim is for the team to support the organisati­on’s work in the community.

The charity was establishe­d in 2018 following the tragic passing of 30-year-old Anthony Quinn, who suffered severe mental health problems.

His devastated family establishe­d the group to in order to offer support to those in the area who may be struggling.

And now Arthurlie U-20s will carry the organisati­on name on its away top as it hopes to bust down taboos and promote a positive mental health message for everyone.

A spokesman for the club said: “We are honoured to be supporting the local support group Lean on Me on our away strips for season 2020/21.

“For many people, mental health remains something of a taboo...an issue to be swept under the carpet or kept hidden in the dark.

“Lean on Me, a Barrhead support group, is shedding light on the topic and offering a lifeline to those who feel like they have no-one to turn to.

“Volunteers at Lean On Me provide accessible help for free.”

He added: “What’s more, they are consciousl­y raising a generation that is bred to talk about their feelings and mental hardships.

“Mental health problems can affect people of all ages and background­s and can strike at any time.

“For some, the problems are linked to their childhood, while others find themselves increasing­ly struggling to cope as the stresses and strains of everyday life take their toll.”

The group has worked with range of organisati­ons including RAMH, to transform perception­s of mental health problems in the community.

The Quinn family said: “We know that Anthony always tried to help everyone else, even when he himself was struggling, and we also know that Anthony didn’t receive the help that he needed from most of the mental health services he encountere­d.

“So, our hope is to provide a network, a community, links and events to promote positive mental health for everyone.

“And by doing this we hope to reach those that feel their mental health may be suffering, and to just let you know that. You are not alone.”

We know that Anthony always tried to help everyone else, even when he was struggling

 ??  ?? Proud Arthurlie U-20s displaying the charity’s name
Proud Arthurlie U-20s displaying the charity’s name
 ??  ?? Support Annual Candlelit walk for Lean On Me
Support Annual Candlelit walk for Lean On Me

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