To mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2021, the GAA and Samaritans Ireland are urging players and members who are struggling with their mental health to take that first step and seek help.

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place today, Friday, September 10th, and this year’s theme is 'Creating Hope Through Action’.

Samaritans Ireland became the official mental health partner of the GAA in 2014 and in the intervening years has provided support to GAA units and members in a range of ways, including:

· access to Samaritans Ireland’s free, confidential talk service accessible 24-7, 365 days-a-year by dialling 116-123

· providing liaison officers to the GAA’s 32 County Health & Wellbeing Committees

· delivering active listening workshops in interested GAA clubs

· offering postvention support to units in the aftermath of a death by suicide

Each year the GAA’s Community & Health department supports clubs and counties in responding to a broad variety of critical incidents that impact GAA members and the club’s wider community. Unfortunately, a significant number of these involve death by suicide.

Colin Regan, GAA Community & Health manager explains: “While much of our work, through initiatives such as the GAA Healthy Club Project, is focused on fostering positive mental, physical, and social health across our membership and the communities we serve, we’re grateful to have partners such as Samaritans and the National Office for Suicide Prevention to call upon to assist us in responding appropriately when a suicide impacts one of our club or county units.”

“In keeping with the theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, we encourage all GAA members to ‘Create Hope though Action’ by completing the LivingWorks Start, Suicide Prevention Skills Online or by arranging a safeTALK suicide awareness training session in their club once public health restrictions allow.” Click HERE for details of training available.

Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, said the partnership with the GAA is more important than ever.

“This pandemic has challenged us all in different ways, having a significant impact on peoples’ mental health. It is likely to play a role in their lives in the months and years to come. Our work with the GAA is crucial as we work together to support members, particularly young people, as restrictions ease. The relationship between GAA clubs across all 32 counties and our branches ensure the message of ‘Talk to Us’ is highlighted in the community and encourages people to talk about what affects them. Samaritans Ireland’s key message is that if you’re struggling, if life is difficult and you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or unable to cope, don’t struggle through it alone. Don’t bottle it up. We’re here to listen whatever you’re going through.”

Larry McCarthy, GAA President, said: “The GAA are determined to be proactive when it comes to our members’ mental health and linking up with the Samaritans for the past six years has greatly helped. The GAA reflects Irish society and the challenges that impact our communities also impact our clubs and our members. Our partnership with Samaritans offers every GAA member with access to their 24-hour, 365 days-a-year emotional support structures. Please avail of them.”

We encourage anyone in need of support to contact Samaritans FREE 24 hour freephone helpline on 116 123, text 087 260 9090 (RoI only) or email jo@samaritans.ie in the Republic of Ireland or jo@samaritans.org from Northern Ireland.