Engine Engineering
April 26, 2016NEWLANDS: GOVERNMENT MUST HONOUR SHIPYARDS PROMISE
April 26, 2016Keen golfers will club together this weekend to raise money in support of Renfrewshire’s Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) group.
Elderslie residents Stephen Torrance and Andy Payne have arranged a golf day in memory of Vincent Torrance who took his own life in 2009, aged just 27.
The Vinny Torrance Invitational will see 80 players- playing in teams of four- take part in a Texas Scramble competition- with prizes for 1st and 2nd as well as four feature holes.
Elderslie Golf Club will host the event and have helped keep costs down by subsiding green fees for the tournament which has helped ensure a capacity attendance.
Local companies have also signed up to help with all 18 holes being sponsored on the day which will boost the fundraising total.
The previous hosting of the event raised more than £2500 which was donated to the SOBS group to allow the continuation of support for those who have been bereaved and those who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Stephen said: “We are looking to raise awareness of depression and suicide and to let people know that it’s good to talk about these issues.
“The SOBS group are great as they give support to those directly affected by the loss of someone to suicide and they have a great team in Rosemary and Lisa.
“On the day Andy, Vincent’s best friend, and myself just want everyone to have fun. It’s a fun day and no doubt Vincent would’ve had a ball if he was involved.”
Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall said: “The event is a fitting tribute paid by Stephen to his brother and a terrific way to raise money for a worthy cause.
“It is vital that the stigma around suicide is removed and those at risk feel comfortable to discuss what they are feeling. The SOBS group provide an excellent outlet for those bereaved by suicide to speak with people who have faced similar experiences to themselves.
“If you believe you recognise the signs of self harm or suicide, please try and help. It could make a huge difference.”
The SOBS group meets on the last Wednesday of every month at The Wynd Centre, 6 School Wynd, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA1 2DB, from 7pm-8:30pm.
Renfrewshire’s Choose Life team can be contacted via 0141 849 2200 or elizabeth.aitken@renfrewshire.
The SOBS national helpline can be reached on 0844 561 6855, experts at Breathing Space are available on 0800 838 587 and the number for The Samaritans is 116 123.
