Movember and the Gaelic Athletic Association to host ‘A Moment Against Silence’ in Croke Park to normalise mental health conversations
On Sunday 16th July at Croke Park Dublin, Movember, 2023 official charity partner of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), will host ‘A Moment Against Silence’. Ahead of the ‘All-Ireland Football Semi Finals & Junior AIF Double Header’, Movember and the GAA will encourage fans to take a stance against silence to support conversations around mental health and tackle the stigma associated with getting help.
Movember, the world’s largest men’s health organisation, and ‘A Moment Against Silence’ aims to normalise the act of reaching out to others who may be going through tough times.
Fans attending the All-Ireland Semi Finals, can play their part during a special ‘Moment Against Silence’ just before throw-in, when they’ll be urged to make as much noise as possible.
Group Country Manager for Movember Ireland, Sarah Ouellette, said; “A minute’s silence is commonly used to show our respect and observe a loss or tragedy, however when it comes to mental wellbeing, silence is the last thing we need.
A Moment Against Silence aims to encourage people to reach out, speak up and make some noise.
In Ireland, suicide is the leading cause of death in men aged between 15 and 29. Talking about how you’re feeling is often seen as too hard to do – and at first it may not be easy. We need to remind everyone that staying silent isn’t the answer.
We want to encourage people to create their own Moments Against Silence, even if it’s as simple as sending a text to a mate. Together let’s prevent the next minute of silence by having a Moment Against Silence.”
Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy, said; “Many of our players stimulated important national conversations about mental health by talking publicly about their experiences and highlighting the benefits they got from seeking help when they needed it.
We are acutely aware that too many clubs have been bereaved through the death by suicide of beloved members. The ‘Moment Against Silence’ is a powerful concept and we look forward to working with Movember over the course of our partnership to further tackle the stigma associated with help-seeking and support the mental health and wellbeing of our members.”
Movember, along with the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), pledge to work in partnership over the next year to support 10,000 young players, parents, and coaches in 200 GAA clubs to take part in Movember Ahead of the Game. More details of this unique partnership and programme will be issued in the coming weeks.
Movember Ahead of the Game teaches young players, parents, coaches, and volunteers to understand mental health, build mental fitness, and strengthen resilience to deal with challenges in sport and life.
For more information, please visit Movember.com
For more information:
George.peckham@movember.com / 07388 928 495
Siseley.coates-harman@movember.com / 07384 814 592
stephen.quinn@gaa.ie / 00353-872945705
About Movember
Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,250 projects around the world.
In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives.
The charity’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. To donate or learn more, please visit Movember.com.
The GAA
The GAA established in 2013 its Community & Health department, with the intention of maximising the powerful contribution all its units make to the health and wellbeing of its members and the communities it serves.
Mental health has been one of the key areas of focus for the department. Its work in this field has resulted in the development of important partnerships with the likes of the HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, Samaritans, Jigsaw, and most recently Movember.
Its flagship programme is the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs programme, which has engaged 450 clubs to date. Mental health remains one of the most common areas clubs seek guidance around, and the need for a sports-orientated ‘mental fitness’ programme has been frequently identified. The GAA believes ‘Movember Ahead of the Game’ can fill that need.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Sun 16th Jul
