Mental health stigma booted out

An anti-stigma football and poetry event aimed at booting discrimination out of the park was held in Glenrothes yesterday.

Organised by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, the tournament encouraged people to talk about their mental health without fear.

Ross Reilly, SAMH peer development practitioner in Fife, said: “We all have mental health and this is a message that people need to hear and understand in Fife.

“We hope this football tournament will encourage people in Fife to open up about it.”

Former professional footballer and current Fife Provost Jim Leishman launched the event and said he was thrilled to play his part.

“It’s brilliant to see so many people supporting such a great cause,” he said.

“Mental health is affecting more and more people and it’s important that we recognise that.”

World Mental Health Day takes place on Tuesday and the tournament is one of many events being held by the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership to raise awareness.

Partnership director Michael Kellet said it was an honour to be presenting the trophies.

“SAMH and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership have worked incredibly hard to make this event a success,” he said.