A popular Lanarkshire rugby club took time out last week to join a nation-wide campaign to raise awareness of mental health.
Players and coaches from Dalziel Rugby Club, in Motherwell, met on Thursday, February 6, as part of Time to Talk Day, an event organised by See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health discrimination.
Time to Talk Day aims to get as many people as possible talking about mental health.
Since its launch in 2014, Time to Talk Day has sparked millions of conversations in schools,homes, workplaces, in the media and online.
Over 100 players and coaches took part in mixed-age touch rugby sessions while participating in this year’s campaign theme of ‘Get comfortable and start talking about mental health’.
Led by volunteers from the senior playing squad and club coaches, players from P5 up to senior were involved and the event was well received by all who attended.
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.”
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson, who attended the event, said: “I was absolutely delighted to see the work being done at Dalziel RFC educating the younger players about good mental health and how to seek help and show support to friends and team mates. Rugby is a great sport that is built on discipline and respect, and I know the bonds between players will have been strengthened by this education programme.”
Dalziel Rugby Club, based at Dalziel Park in Motherwell, have senior men and women’s teams, youth teams from under-13 to under-18, mixed mini teams from P1 to P7 and the youngest section is for kids aged three to five.
For more information visit www.dalzielrugby.com if you are interested in playing rugby, a warm welcome is assured regardless of playing experience.
For information about ending mental health stigma and discrimination visit www.seemescotland.org
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