Words of praise for Time to Talk event

“The more we talk, the more lives we can change.”

That was the resounding message that came from a pioneering event on mental health held in Motherwell last week.

Dalziel Rugby Club is taking a proactive approach towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and the club is doing great work to encourage people to speak out about any struggles they might be facing.

The club held a Time To Talk Day last Thursday as part of a nationwide push to get people talking more openly about mental health for one day.

Time to Talk Day is organised by See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health discrimination, in partnership with Time to Change in England.

Since its launch in 2014, Time to Talk Day has sparked millions of conversations in schools, homes, workplaces, in the media and online.

Dalziel’s Time to Talk event involved 160 players and coaches taking part in mixed age group touch rugby sessions and mental health conversation starters using ‘Would You Rather’ questions to get started.

Led by volunteers from the senior playing squad and club coaches, players from primary five up to senior came up with suggestions for how to make it easier to talk to a friend who is feeling down.

Dalziel club captain Ross Mitchell said: “We talked a lot about when and where would be a good time and place to talk to someone who is feeling low and how we can take steps to help them.

“There were fantastic suggestions about giving people time to talk when they are ready and recommendations of where to seek help such as Samaritans, NHS and Childline.”

Elaine Neilson, communications officer at Dalziel Rugby Club, said: “We took part in Time to Talk Day because mental health is a topic that we should all feel able to talk about.

“Having these important conversations can make a big difference to many people.

“The more we talk, the more lives we can change. The message we want our members to take from the night is that this was not a one-day event but something for us to build on as a club to help further improve the supportive environment we strive to develop in our teams.”

Agnes Magowan, councillor for Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig, attended and described the event as “heart-warming”.

She said: “The strong message was talk. Don’t keep things to yourself. Share your problems and take part in sport which helps to alleviate the pressure.

“What an amazing event. Well done to Dalziel Rugby Club, Elaine Neilson and all the team who acted as volunteers, coaches and managers.

“The message was clear: ‘The more we talk about it, the better life is for all of us.’

“Dalziel Rugby Club run other events throughout the year in partnership with SAMHS and Chris’s House to combat mental health problems. They should be commended.”

For information about ending mental health stigma and discrimination visit www.seemescotland.org