GAA stars use the web to urge young males to speak out

SpunOut.ie, a leading national youth organisation, in association with Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim GAA football teams are urging young males to speak out about their problems. Using an innovative and new approach to reach young people, all three team captains and players are featured in a specially produced short video talking about mental health and wellbeing. The videos can be viewed online at www.SpunOut.ie as part of campaign to celebrate World Mental Heath Day on 10th October 2008.

Inspirational former Donegal football captain Neil Gallagher was joined by fellow Donegal players Michael Murphy and Rory Cavanagh to encourage young people, and in particular young males, to speak up about their problems. Neil Gallagher commented: "Life isn't always easy. There's a lot of pressure to be happy and to succeed. Sometimes it gets us all down. The important thing to remember is that we can get through the tough times but it's vital that we talk to people when in need. Talking to a friend, an older brother or sister, a family friend, a GP or a confidential support service are all options. SpunOut.ie is a brilliant resource for when you need help or just want to find out information on some of the issues that affect us all, whether it be sex, relationships, drugs or alcohol."

Ian Howley, 24, is a Project Worker for SpunOut.ie and is currently working to promote positive mental health and suicide prevention in the North West as part of The Dormant Accounts funded 'Get SpunOut.ie' outreach initiative. The charity is run by a dedicated 8 member staff team of young talented professionals aged 23 to 31, who work in direct partnership with over 300 young volunteers nationally. Ian, who himself went through depression and suicide attempts in his teens commented: "A partnership with Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim GAA was specifically set up to target young men who find it hard to talk about their problems. There is this perception that if you are seen to have problems or worries, that you are weak. This is not the case. Everyone goes through tough times at some stage in their lives and today we are encouraging young people and especially young males to speak up. We want young people to use SpunOut.ie as a tool to do this and to encourage them to do it in their day to day lives."

SpunOut.ie can be accessed via the internet and mobile phones, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring young people always have access to information and support if and when they need it. The website provides 100's of factsheets on all aspects of youth health, lifestyle and citizenship including drugs, alcohol, sexual health, mental health, environment, work, education and much more. SpunOut.ie signposts young people to services nationally, has a Samaritans email support service, dynamic moderated discussion forums, is a space to publish news, views and opinion pieces, as well as comments, videos, photos and art. It is also a platform for young people to engage with the national media, with politicians and with decision makers on health and social policy.

SpunOut.ie is a recipient of a National Health Service Innovation Award, an Eircom Golden Spider Award for 'Best Charity Website', a Health Service Innovation Award, and has been recently shortlisted for the Irish Web Awards and the Irish Healthcare Awards. It has received widespread praise from young people as well as the media, parents, youth and health professionals and leading decision makers. SpunOut.ie will continue to work on suicide prevention and mental health promotion as part of a nationwide social marketing campaign. Young people, parents or teachers can get involved or find out more by logging on to www.SpunOut.ie

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