Airdrieonians and Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire have teamed up to promote mental health and wellbeing, by having a free family friendly day at Saturday’s match against Dumbarton in conjunction with Breathing Space Scotland.

 

Families are encouraged to come along from 1.20pm, and enjoy a wide range of fun and free activities throughout the day.

 

Along with our regular Airdrie Aces training, we will have the fantastic Bubble Football on two separate 5 a side pitches, for kids from 6 years old and upwards, and bigger kids who should maybe know better! Also outside pre match, we will have crazy golf on an additional pitch, while inside the stadium, we will have a photo booth with a wide array of plenty of wacky costumes beside our ever popular Diamonds Den on the main concourse.

 

We will also have FREE entry to ALL children under 16 years of age! Kids just have to report to the club shop to receive a ticket that will enable them entry via the main turnstiles.

 

While the emphasis on Saturday is FUN and encouraging families to get fresh air, take some time out, and spend time together with loved ones, there is a serious message and motive behind the day.

 

Lynne Macdonald Suicide Prevention Lead with North Lanarkshire Council explained that it is important for everyone to take some breathing space away from life’s stressful situations.

 

“Breathing Space’s theme of 'You Matter, We Care' encourages people to care for themselves as well as others. Spending time with family and friends can help you experience better emotional well-being and to lift low moods”. 

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Breathing Space was launched in 2002 to address serious concerns about the mental wellbeing of people in Scotland, and became a national phoneline in 2004.

 

Breathing Space complements the work of other phonelines and agencies which are endeavouring to reduce suicide rates in Scotland.

 

Lynne continued “Our advisors come from a range of mental health, counselling and social work backgrounds. There is an equal ratio of male to female advisors, who may be part-time or full-time. Breathing Space is not a volunteer service”.

 

“Sometimes our thoughts and feelings overwhelm us to the point where it becomes difficult to cope with everyday life. It helps to get some Breathing Space. You are not alone and talking about how you feel is a positive first step in getting help”.

 

Breathing Space aims to provide:

• an alternative and easily accessible ‘first stop’ service

• assistance at an early stage in order to stop problems escalating

• empathy, understanding and advice through active listening

• hope when none exists

• direction for those who do not know where to seek help”

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If you need help at any time please call Samaritans on 116123 or Breathing Space on 0800 838 587, or find out more at breathingspace.scot