Community hosts suicide memorial football fest

Ferguslie will once again host an annual football tournament as part of a drive to raise awareness on suicide within the community.

Budding football enthusiasts have signed up their 7-a-side teams to the No Substitute for Life event on Sunday 29 June, 12pm-4pm.

suicide-awareness
Paul Cadona pictured at the last Substitute for life event at St Mirren Park

The memorial event will also host a wide variety of entertainment for children and adults of all ages including arts and crafts activities and a bouncy castle.

Later on there will be an opportunity for bereaved family and friends to write a message for a loved one on a purple heart and attach it to the Ferguslie Memorial Tree.

Councillor Iain McMillan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Social Work, Health and Wellbeing Policy Board, said: “More and more people are finding it easier to talk about suicide and it’s great to see events like No Substitute for Life bring that message into the community.

“Those who have been bereaved by suicide often find it difficult to cope with the loss of a loved one. This football tournament is a great way for communities to come together and support each other.

“Preventing our young people losing their lives to suicide is as simple as talking about the issue openly and frankly. I’d encourage the local community to once again join in on this worthwhile event.”

The tournament is part of a campaign to raise awareness of suicide among young men and provide an opportunity for survivors of bereavement by suicide to commemorate their loved ones.

The Football Tournament will be held in Ferguslie Park Sports Centre and the family activities will be held in the Tannahill Centre.

The Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) support group meets on the last Tuesday of every month in the Charleston Centre between 7pm and 9pm.

No Substitute for Life is organised by community volunteers in partnership with Choose Life, Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) and Engage Renfrewshire.

The national helpline Breathing Space can be reached on 0800 83 85 87, and the number for The Samaritans is 08457 90 90 90.

Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) First Crisis can be contacted on 0141 848 9090.

For more information on suicide prevention, call 0141 849 2200, or email Elizabeth.aitken@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

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