Lochaber shinty clubs partner with SAMH to ‘Gain the Advantage Iain Ferguson Two Lochaber-based shinty clubs have teamed up with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in furthering their commitment to the health and wellbeing of players, volunteers and supporters. The ‘Gain the Advantage’ programme will be open to everyone involved in Fort William and Kilmallie shinty clubs and the wider community to positively engage with a variety of activities, workshops and events based around the five ways to wellbeing - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn and Give. Introducing individuals at an earlier stage gives them the opportunity to explore their mental health, engaging with them using a palette of tools and resources to increase the ability to support mental health and wellbeing, building personal and community resilience. SAMH workers Nina Allinson and Steph McLean met with members of the ‘School of Shinty’ at Lochaber High School alongside representatives of some of shinty’s biggest
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supporters including MOWI and Ferguson Transport as well as Camanachd Association national development manager Ronald Ross and youth director Willie MacDonald. Following their introduction to Lochaber High School and some of the area’s major employers, Nina and Steph held a workshop for members of Kilmallie and Fort William shinty clubs. It is hoped the resource SAMH is able to offer will enable these clubs and the area as a whole to become more mentally healthy. This work is in addition to the ongoing shinty chaplaincy programme which both clubs have endorsed. Ronald Ross said: ‘We are delighted to move forward with the ‘Gain the Advantage’ programme and to provide better support for shinty communities. ‘This year-long initiative complements all the work we do with partners in this sphere including the Samaritans, Scottish Sports Chaplaincy, Mikeysline and more. Well done to both clubs and Lochaber High School for embracing the opportunity to develop mentally healthy communities.’
| july 2022
Lochaber Life July 2022.indd 34
07/06/2022 14:25:31
