Back Onside came into the Hibernian Training Centre to deliver a mental health talk with a difference to the young players at Hibernian FC.
Providing support, awareness, and education around Mental Health, Back Onside have been working with the Club for a number of years to ensure that players and staff have a support mechanism around them and so they know it’s ok to talk.
In their latest activation with the Club, Back Onside delivered a special chat with the younger players to ensure they know they have support around them, but to make it even more engaging it had a twist!
Scottish comedian and actor Darren Connell led the chat and turned it into a ‘stand up’ routine that touched on his own journey, struggles with mental health, and how Back Onside supported him.
This session is part of the Club’s education programme that aims to develop our young players both on and off the pitch.
Sean McPartlin, Education and Welfare Consultant at Hibernian FC commented: “Darren's job was to speak to the guys about how to deal with stress and pressure, and pointing out that even if you’re seen to have a very successful life, it doesn’t mean you’ll feel fine. It was good to have Darren, Libby from Back Onside, and our Director of Football Brian McDermott to come in and give advice.”
Darren Connell added: “I think there’s negativity attached to mental health chats, but I had fun, and the young lads did too. When I was the same age as those lads, I would never bring up mental health, so we need to establish that it’s good to talk about your issues. There’s help there for everyone.”
