Teams unite to fight mental health stigma
A football tournament that aims to kick off conversation about mental health saw hundreds of people gather for a powerful event in the hope of reaching out to those who may be struggling.
No Substitute for Life has been running for ten years, and aims to raise awareness and provide information to those affected by suicide or experiencing challenges with their mental health.
Run in partnership by Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) and the St Mirren Charitable Foundation, the event saw 20 teams gather to take part in an afternoon of football at Ferguslie Sports Centre, followed by a semifinal and final played at the SMiSA stadium.
All of the teams who took part have been touched by suicide in some way - making the event a poignant one of great importance.
Dozens of speakers also took part in the event, telling powerful and emotive stories on their experiences of suicide and mental health.
The event brought 15 organisations together under one roof to offer support and advice to anyone affected by mental health and suicide.
Gayle Brannigan, chief executive of the St Mirren Charitable
Foundation, told the Express: “If one person at that event was able to get help and support on the day, then it has been a huge success.
“It is such a special event that really means a lot to the community.
“The tournament was fantastic and all 20 of the teams played in memory of someone they knew who has died by suicide.
“But the really important part of the day were the speakers, those were who the day was all about.
“We had people stand up and share their stories about their own experiences of suicide, or losing their loved one to suicide.
“It was really powerful to hear from them.”
There were a number of important faces who turned up on the day to listen to the impactful speeches, including St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin, who handed out medals and trophies to the winning team, The Glasgow Boys,
Kevin Stewart, the Minister for Mental Well-being and Social Care and Paisley MSP George Adam also went to the event
Mr Adam said: “This annual event is a happy one with a very serious point.
“Here we can remember those that have died from suicide and at the same time highlight the issue in a way that will help individuals, families and friends spread the message about recognising the importance of having good mental health, recognising when issues occur and what can be done to offer support.
“It is often said that talking can help, or encouraging those that seem to need a bit of support to talk to someone.
“That can be a release and a way to recognise problems and is a first step in tackling them.
“This is a great event and I know it will continue to grow and raise awareness for this very important issue well into the future.”
The annual event is also set to be discussed on a special show on Paisley FM 107.5 tomorrow at 2pm and will feature interviews at the No Substitute for Life event.
The Paisley FM 107.5 programme includes interviews with Kenneth Young from Active Communities; Stephen McLellan, chief executive of RAMH, Ian Macdonald from Homestart Renfrewshire & Inverclyde, STIGMA Alliance and many other organisations.
Tune in to Paisley FM on 107.5 FM or online or on a smart-speaker from 2pm.
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