Movember and SAMH Bring Youth Mental Health Programme to Orkney

Orkney Islands Council partners with SAMH to bring Movember's ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme to local communities

Free training is available for locals who want to support young people's mental health through sport and community activity.

Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) will deliver two-day facilitator training at Kirkwall Grammar School on Saturday 15th November (09:30-17:00) and Sunday 16th November (09:30-14:00). The training will equip participants to run Movember's ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme – an evidence-based mental fitness programme that helps young people build resilience and understand mental health.

The programme uses sport to teach young people, parents, and coaches how to recognise mental health challenges, build mental fitness and know where to get help. Developed by experts, it's delivered through local clubs and community groups where young people already are.

Garry Burton, Head of Active Communities, said: "Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, but we don't always have the confidence or tools to talk about it openly. This programme changes that by creating spaces where these conversations can happen naturally.

"By training people in our clubs and community groups, we're building a culture where everyone - young people, parents, coaches - can talk about mental health without stigma and know where to get help when they need it."

Half of all mental health problems start before the age of 14, making early intervention crucial. This programme targets that critical age group, reaching young people through the sports and activities they're already involved in.

Once trained, facilitators will deliver interactive workshops to young people aged 12 and over, as well as separate sessions for parents, during regular club or group times. Participants will receive ongoing support from SAMH following the course. Groups and clubs will also have opportunities to receive financial support for delivering the workshops to young people and parents.

Pher Nicolson, National Programme Manager at SAMH, said: "Ahead of The Game is about teaching young players and the adults around them how to talk about mental health, equipping them with healthy coping skills and supporting them to overcome challenges.

“Sport has so many benefits beyond just keeping us physically healthy. And we believe sporting communities should become spaces where we feel safe to speak up about, and seek support with, our mental health."

The programme is being delivered in Orkney through a partnership between Orkney Islands Council’s Sport and Leisure and Community Learning, Development and Employment services and SAMH, as part of a Scotland-wide rollout supporting 20,000 young people.

Register today at www.orkney.gov.uk/AheadOfTheGame or email linn.af-bjoerkesten@samh.org.uk for more information.

SAMH will also be delivering a youth conference at the Pickaquoy Centre on Thursday 13th November for S3 pupils and visiting Westray on Friday 14th November to deliver workshops.