Three, together with Chelsea FC and Aware have extended a mental health awareness campaign launched in England last year to Ireland.
#TalkMoreThanFootball encourages men to open up about problems they may be facing, something that is outside the ‘normal’ pattern of behaviour.
Research undertaken by Three in the Irish market has revealed that over one-quarter or 26 per cent of Irish football fans have never talked about their mental health challenges.
56 per cent of Irish fans say they have experienced a mental health disorder, while 54 per cent said they would like to talk about it more regularly.
43 per cent said that seeing well-known people talk about mental health would help them to seek help, and 66 per cent said they wanted to know how to bring the subject up in a conversation with friends.
Former Ireland footballer turned commentator Andy Townsend captained the Republic of Ireland at the World Cup in the USA in 1994. Now he is 60 years old and a Grandfather.
He struck a positive note talking to media yesterday.
“Life can be tough for many different people for many different reasons, but it doesn’t matter what it is, there are people out there now that can help you and there are people that can get you back up on your feet.”
“The sun is going to shine tomorrow and you will live to fight another day. Along the way, there will be bumps and bruises, but don’t be afraid to seek out a bit of help if you need it.”
Sport for Business Perspective:
This campaign went down well in the UK last year in partnership with The Samaritans. Making it Irish and working with Aware, it will be interesting to see what the programme delivers.
Interesting as well to see Three making moves back into a sports environment…
The Sport for Business Membership is made up of nearly 300 organisations including all of the leading sports and sponsors, commercial and state agencies. Find out more about joining them today.
Be part of the biggest community of sporting and business organisations in Ireland by becoming a member of Sport for Business and enjoying a host of benefits.
Enjoy more of what we have to offer with events. podcasts and a twice-daily news bulletin. Simply click on the images below to sign up for the free bulletin or find out more…
