This Men’s Health Week (15-21 June) the Carrick and District Pool League has teamed up with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to help shine a light on an important message for mental health – that talking really does help.

Pool clubs have long been places where people come together week after week to compete, socialise and share experiences. Earlier this year, the Carrick Pool League signed up to support the PHA’s Lifeline campaign ‘Talking Really Helps’, by using these regular engagements to encourage open conversations about mental health, reminding players that support can begin with something as simple as checking in with one another.

Lifeline, which is available 24/7 on 0808 808 8000, is Northern Ireland’s freephone crisis helpline and counselling service and is available for people of all ages who may be experiencing distress or despair and require immediate support. 

The Carrick and District Pool League is made up of 14 teams with a total of 186 registered players, plus fans who travel with teams.

Darren Whiteside, CDPL league secretary and member of Times Bar Scorpions Pool Team, said: “Our team and our league are about more than just winning matches. It’s a place where people come together every week, look out for each other and feel able to open up without fear of judgement. Supporting ‘Talking Really Helps’ felt like a natural fit – sometimes a quiet word before or after a game can make a real difference.”

Across clubs within the Carrick Pool League, support for Lifeline and other mental health initiatives is being demonstrated in practical and meaningful ways. ‘Talking Really Helps’ posters and messages are visible throughout club premises and across social media, encouraging players who may be experiencing anxiety, distress or crisis to start conversations about how they are feeling. 

Men continue to be a key target group when it comes to suicide prevention in Northern Ireland. The latest published data show that in 2024, of the 290 deaths by suicide 79.3% were male, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death in males under 50 in Northern Ireland. The figures highlight the importance of reaching men in spaces where they feel comfortable, connected and understood.

Darren continued: “At the start of the season, each team nominates at least one player to attend mental health awareness training through the Link Life Connections programme. In September, we plan to encourage more players to take part in SafeTALK training, so they have the skills to look out for their teammates and for everyone to know they have a safe space within the Carrick and District Pool League. To finish the season CDPL have a ‘Pool Together’ celebration event where players get awarded trophies and we listen to mindful music and songs selected by the players.”

The Link Life Connections programme equips players with the skills and confidence to support one another and with plans in place to further train a group in SafeTALK this September, will help teammates to recognise when someone may be struggling and how to provide a safe, supportive environment. These courses are supported by the PHA and delivered by Fresh Minds Education with a focus on suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing, with the aim of creating safer communities and workplaces. 

Kathy Owens, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, welcomed the league’s efforts towards supporting men’s mental health: “Men often experience pressures around speaking openly about how they’re feeling. Some can view it as a sign of weakness but it is in fact a sign of strength to talk to others about feelings of low mood, anxiety and stress, and through talking things can get better. 

“Community spaces like pool clubs can play a vital role in helping to break down barriers and normalise conversations about mental health. By supporting Lifeline messaging, the Carrick Pool League is sending a powerful message – that no one has to cope on their own and that help is available.”

The league also hosts regular events, with guest speakers offering advice and guidance on maintaining mental health and wellbeing. The season will conclude with a mindful celebration event, ‘Pool Together’, bringing players together in a supportive and inclusive setting.

Darren concluded: “We’re grateful to Lifeline for providing a vital safety net and we’d also like to thank Impact Network NI for their ongoing support in helping us deliver these initiatives.” 

For anyone who may be struggling, help is always available. Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s free, confidential crisis response helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Lifeline’s professionally trained counsellors offer immediate advice and support to anyone who needs it, at any time.

Call 0808 808 8000 or to find out more visit www.lifelinehelpline.info 

The latest published data on suicide in Northern Ireland can be found at www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/suicide-statistics-2024