Omniplex cinemas are making screen time available before the showing of the new Star Wars movie from next week to support the Irish Rugby Union Player’ Association’s (IRUPA) ‘Tackle Your Feelings’ mental wellbeing campaign.
A Tackle Your Feelings video trailer features provincial and international rugby stars including former Ireland and Leinster rugby player, Shane Jennings; Leinster front-row, Jack McGrath; Irish women’s player, Hannah Tyrrell; Connacht rugby player, Jake Heenan and former Munster scrum-half, Cathal Sheridan who came forward this year to tell their own personal stories of the challenges they have faced off the pitch.
The campaign, backed by Zurich Insurance has been out on the road sharing those stories and engaging with fans and broader communities around the country in a series of at times very raw and moving events.
“This is a campaign that is close to my heart and you can already see the difference it is making in society,” said McGrath who opened up about the anger and anxiety he felt following the death of his brother.
“IRUPA and Zurich have done a brilliant job breaking down the stigma of mental health and for Omniplex to support the campaign in this way is brilliant. Their help will further drive awareness of the campaign over the Christmas period.”
Tackle Your Feelings seeks to emphasise the importance of preventative measures in maintaining good mental wellbeing. By asking people to be honest with themselves about how they are feeling and to take appropriate action, the campaign aims to encourage people to resolve emotional challenges before they escalate into a crisis. The campaign website, www.tackleyourfeelings.com, hosts a number of practical resources to help people develop their emotional self-awareness and proactively work on their mental and emotional wellbeing.
It also is home to video content including the stories of McGrath, Tyrell and Jennings.
“IRUPA are delighted to work with Omniplex Cinemas on the Tackle Your Feelings campaign today,” added Omar Hassanein, CEO of the player’s body.
“Their support allows us to reach a larger audience and hopefully make further inroads into breaking down stigma around mental wellbeing. Mental wellbeing is something we place a lot of emphasis on as a players’ organisation, striving to both educate our members in this area and offer support services to help them be more proactive about looking after their own wellbeing.”
“As a large employer in Ireland we’ve seen first-hand the positive difference that Tackle Your Feelings can make; both in addressing the stigma of speaking about mental health and in encouraging people to proactively look after their mental wellbeing,” added Elaine Hayes of Zurich.
“We’re delighted to see the message reaching a wider audience with the involvement of Omniplex.”
