A mental health organisation in Glasgow says it has been rocked after two people from the group attempted suicide in the same week.
Eastend Matters has spoken out about the attempts, which has left others in the group shocked, shaken and worried – and has reinstated the importance of men looking out for one another.
Stuart Honest, treasurer for the organisation, told the Glasgow Times: “The two attempts were in the same week, just two months ago.
“It completely rocked the organisation at its heart.”
The 25-year-old continued: “A lot of us have felt shocked, shaken, and worried not just as teammates or members, but as people who genuinely care about each other.
“It’s hit close to home and reminded us how much we rely on one another, both on and off the pitch. More than anything, it’s brought us closer together. There’s a real feeling of wanting to look out for each other, to check in, and to make sure no one feels like they’re dealing with things on their own.”
The pair are now thankfully recovering.
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Despite the heartbreaking situation, the organisation has decided to turn a negative into a positive.
On Saturday, the group will walk to and around all the major football stadiums in Glasgow in a bid to raise money for the mental health charity, SAMH.
Starting at Partick Thistle’s ground in Firhill, the players will then make their way to Hampden Park and Ibrox in the Southside. The walk will then end at Celtic Park in the East End’s Parkhead.
The walk is expected to last around four hours.
Speaking on the challenge, Stuart said: “As a group, we’ve all been talking about the walk, and there’s a real mix of emotions between us.
“There are definitely some nerves, but more than that, there’s a shared sense of purpose and compassion behind why we’re doing it.
“A lot of us feel proud to be coming together for something that means so much, especially given everything that’s happened. There’s also a strong feeling of support within the team—we know we’ll be there for each other throughout it, and that togetherness is what’s really driving us forward.”
You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking HERE
The group was formed as a way of empowering people through community connection. The club aims to tackle social diversities, mental health, and addiction while promoting wellness in all forms.
Stuart took over the organisation 10 months ago and placed more focus on men’s mental health and overall well-being.
It comes after his sister’s partner took him along for a session.
“When I went along for the first time, there were around 10 or 11 members who were turning up and playing,” Stuart said.
He continued: “I could tell that there was more that needed to be done for the mental health of the players, so I decided to step in.”
Stuart rebranded what was just a football team into a mental health organisation and has done a host of wellbeing activities with the players. For example, the team have gone hillwalking, bowling for a Christmas night out and handed out meals to the homeless on Christmas Eve.
The team is now supporting 24 members in total.
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You can find out more about Eastend Matters by visiting, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577273166505
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free, 24/7, on 116 123, by emailing jo@samaritans.org or by visiting www.samaritans.org
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