Airdrieonians FC are delighted to announce a new partnership with North Lanarkshire Council in a bid to cut down suicide in the area. 

 

The Diamonds will be displaying the North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention logo on the back of their first team shirts, along with displaying messages and helpline information around the Airdrie Excelsior stadium during matches in the forthcoming season.

 

Almost one person every week dies by suicide in North Lanarkshire and Airdrie FC has pledged its support to the Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire campaign to help raise awareness of this issue.

 

Club Captain Marc Fitzpatrick said: “We are delighted to enter this partnership with Suicide Prevention and have their logo displayed on the back of the team shirts.  It will be seen by football fans across the country.  The partnership will raise awareness and is a positive step towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.”

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Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “We work with Airdrie FC on a number of local initiatives and this partnership is vital in helping raise awareness around this sensitive area.

 

“Suicide affects lives across Scotland every day of every week. We need to shatter the silence of suicide and engage with the local community in supporting people concerned or worried about suicide

 

“By working together we can have a greater impact in preventing suicide.”

 

Bobby Miller Head of Adult Social Works Services with the council added: “Attracting the attention of people interested in football gives a great opportunity to reach out to people about how we can all help reduce suicide. 

 

“By raising awareness of how to recognise the signs that someone may be considering suicide, any of us might be able to offer support and help save lives.”

 

Airdrie Commercial Manager Douglas Allsop added: "Football clubs can’t do much financially for charities and health awareness campaigns, but we can be a highly visible platform and strong voice in getting across vital messages to the community.  In the last two years, David Cox and Iain Russell have both graced the Diamond, and both have openly spoken about their struggle with depression. Speaking personally, I have also lived with depression for over four years, and know how debilitating it can be.

 

"Over the coming weeks and months we will be putting out information and dates for everyone to become part of a suicide safer North Lanarkshire. To further support this partnership, Airdrie FC management, players and staff will be participating in the 90 minutes to save a life suicide awareness training, and we will be announcing open sessions for fans and people in the community to come along and hear more during November."

 

For more information go to www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer or call Well-informed on 0800 073 0918.

 

Need support now? Contact:

Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87 (free to call 6pm – 2am)

www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk

Samaritans – 116123 (free 24 hr service) www.samaritans.org

Childline 0800 1111 (free 24 hr service) www.childline.org.uk