Making Carrick Pool League a safer space
Carrick and District Pool League sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd are endeavouring to make their league a safe space to talk about mental health and lessen the likelihood of members dying by suicide.
The committee successfully applied for funding and brought in Jim Weir from Fresh Minds Education to train proactive players in Connections Link Life suicide prevention Programme.
The funding gratefully came from Carrick Community Forum. We were warmly hosted by Lisa, Jess and Aimee at the Greenisland Jubilee Centre.
Twelve participants representing some of Carrick District Pool League teams and also had a representative from Northern Ireland Pool Association undertook the training.
The dedication of those who gave up their Wednesday nights for this training was appreciated. Participants now have the skills to recognise the signs and have the confidence to talk about the elephant in the room.
Team mates will know that talking about mental health is not a taboo subject and now have a safety net in their friends in Carrick and District Pool League.
This will hopefully happen again next season.
Fresh Minds Education said "Congratulations of taking this step for your club. We genuinely appreciate all those who join together as Connections Ambassadors- reaching in when someone is struggling to reach out. "
The governing body for pool in Northern Ireland commented "
Thank you to Carrick District Pool League for the invite and warm welcome to participate in this course. Such a worthwhile course to be part of and if we can reach out and help even one person who is struggling then we have saved a life."
If you would like to be trained up and become an ambassador for Connections Link Life please email the Carrick Pool League Committee on [email protected]