The role of sport in tackling issues around mental health has been highlighted again with the launch of a new resource from the GAA.
The ‘Play in my Boots’ packs – an extension of St. Patrick’s Mental Health Foundation’s successful ‘Walk in my Shoes’ campaign – aim to de-stigmatise mental health by speaking to players in a sporting language familiar to them.
Using the term ‘mental fitness’ to emphasise the positive nature of mental wellness, the packs also aim to remind players and coaches that maintaining mental fitness requires work and skill development in the same way as maintaining physical fitness does.
“We hope these innovative packs better arm our players and members in maintaining their wellbeing and that they remind each and everyone one of us that we contribute to not only our own mental health, but to the mental health of those around us,” said GAA President Liam Ó Néill.
The packs are supported financially by Allianz who have used the opportunity to extend their involvement in the sport that already encompasses the Allianz Leagues and the popular Cumman na mBunscoil tournament for children.
It is an imaginative example of how existing sponsors can add value to their own involvement and the broader remit of the sporting body with which they are associated.
They include a mobile element created by Inspire Ireland allowing users to tune their mental fitness while on the go. A mental health charter is also included which clubs are encouraged to adopt in order to promote an environment and culture that fosters mental wellbeing for all members.
Messages of encouragement and support are included from a range of players from across the country, including All Ireland winners Eoin Cadogan, Darren O’Sullivan, Deirdre Burke and Jim McGuinness.
Alan O’Mara who went public with his battle for mental fitness last year is also a key contributor.
Available to all clubs in hard and in soft format – for uploading onto websites and social media platforms – the packs are the latest development by the Association in an on-going campaign to support its members’ health and well-being.
Paul Gilligan, CEO of St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services, said; “We are delighted to be working on this awareness initiative with the GAA because mental health difficulties impact on every community in Ireland and the GAA plays a significant role in all of these communities. We are confident that ‘Play in My Boots’ will provide players, coaches, clubs and communities with the tools they need to mind their mental health”
