Lisnaskea Emmett’s GAC recently held a suicide and self-harm prevention workshop, with the club keen to promote better mental health not only within the club, but in wider society.

“Over the years, Lisnaskea and surrounding areas have suffered greatly as a consequence of poor mental health and suicides. Many deaths over the years could be attributed to the absence of proper and timely mental health support,” said the club’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer, Paul McGoldrick.

“Culminating from conversations in the local community, Lisnaskea Emmetts invited West Wellbeing to Lisnaskea to present us with one of their many workshops.

“Their suicide and self-harm prevention workshop that we were presented with was very beneficial – a very valuable and worthwhile workshop for those who attended.

“The workshop was attended not only by members of Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC, but also members of other sporting groups and members of the community with no affiliation to any sports group.

“This was a clear indication that people locally recognise the severity of the situation, in regards to poor mental health and its consequences.

“It was enlightening to hear how the West Wellbeing Forum have went from strength to strength. “

Paul praised the Belfast-based voluntary organisation, which he said is providing the community with an important service which various health boards and mental health departments have singularity failed to do.

“At our workshop, some gave their own personal experience or that of someone they knew, who had sought help with mental health issues, but were met with a brick wall and colossal waiting lists.

“The general consensus was that, as a community, through togetherness and a therapeutic process known as ‘Open Dialogue’, we can help each other. West Wellbeing is a prime example of this approach.”

Paul continued by saying: “Of the many things we learned from the workshop, one was that no community, parish, family or individual in Ireland are immune from suffering poor mental health at some stage in their lives.

“138 years on from its formation, the GAA is the most socially valuable organisation in Ireland. In many towns, cities and parishes in Ireland, it is the GAA that ties and bonds our communities together.

“Therefore, it is only natural that as a club, Lisnaskea Emmetts is not only breaking the stigma that still surrounds poor mental health, but [seeks] to also provide for its community in educating ourselves on how to make a positive and healthy contribution to society.

“We strongly recommend that other clubs and organisations consider participating in such workshops.

“It is possible to use community-based systems of dealing with poor mental health and its consequences.

“We feel our communities have been neglected on this, and we need to build up our own knowledge and abilities to deal with the rising crisis in mental health,” added Paul.