Footballers from across Lanarkshire donned their boots to raise awareness about suicide prevention while raising funds for Samaritans.
Over 200 people took part in the annual 7-a-side competition with local businesses, voluntary organisations, charities and groups of friends signing up teams for the big event in support of both North and South Lanarkshire Councils’ suicide prevention campaigns.
Representatives from Airdrieonians, Clyde FC, Hamilton Academical and Motherwell FC joined forces at the event to help tackle the stigma around suicide and to encourage people to talk more openly to help prevent it. Former Rangers FC star Marvin Andrews also took to field to support the event on Wednesday 20 October.
By participating in the event, footballers were helping to support efforts to reduce the number of suicides across Lanarkshire and beyond. Last year alone, 48 people in North Lanarkshire took their own lives with 784 deaths from suicide being recorded across Scotland.
Paul Kelly, Depute Leader of North Lanarkshire Council said: “It was great to see so many people pulling on their boots to support this suicide prevention football tournament. Sport provides a great platform to raise awareness about suicide.
“Many people, especially after the difficult 18 months everyone has endured during the health pandemic, have suffered from anxiety, depression and loneliness. We want to share the message that help is available and encouraging 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.”
If you are worried about suicide or someone who may be at risk, call the Samaritans on 116123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.