Footballers from across Lanarkshire laced up their boots to raise awareness about suicide prevention and support the Samaritans charity during suicide prevention week.
Over 280 participants, including local businesses, voluntary organisations, charities and groups of friends, gathered for the 7-a-side football competition at the Ravenscraig Sports Facility on Wednesday 13 September.
The event was organised in support of the suicide prevention campaigns of both North and South Lanarkshire Councils, which aim to tackle the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage open conversations to prevent it.
Representatives from Airdrieonians, Albion Rovers and Motherwell FC joined forces at the tournament, recognising the importance of their role in addressing the issue of suicide in Lanarkshire. All the participants supported the action-packed event to help reduce the number of suicides not only in Lanarkshire but across Scotland.
Councillor Louise Roarty, Depute Leader explained: "We want to share the message that help is available and encourage people to talk openly about suicide. We are asking everyone to be alert to the warning signs of suicide. If you are worried about someone, a friend, family member, or work colleague, asking them directly about their feelings can make all the difference. 'Let’s Talk' is the message we want to get across as we try to encourage everyone to talk more openly about suicide so we can all play our part in helping to prevent it."
Provost Kenneth Duffy thanked all the participants for their involvement in the football tournament, he said: "We were delighted to see so many teams taking part, and we are extremely grateful to everyone for helping support our efforts to tackle suicide in our communities. Suicide is much more common than many would think and unfortunately affects many families across Lanarkshire.
"Suicide is a difficult topic to talk about but the reality is that that many people do have suicidal thoughts. We want this event to help spread the message that there is help available and that we should be encouraging people to talk about their fears and concerns. We want to make people aware that there is help available if they are concerned about suicide. By raising awareness of how to recognise the signs sometimes associated with suicide, people will be in a better position to offer support and perhaps save lives."
Danielle Rowley, Samaritans Scotland Influencing Manager, said: “It was a pleasure to attend the tournament and see the great suicide prevention work taking place in Lanarkshire.
“Breaking the stigma around suicide is important in empowering people to reach out and ask for support when they need it. What better way to encourage people to talk than through the support and camaraderie that football offers.”
For individuals who are concerned about suicide or someone who may be at risk, the Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, and Breathing Space is available at 0800 83 85 87.