UL Bohemian RFC is proudly partnered with Jigsaw Youth Mental Health Services for 2020/2021 to spread awareness mental health tools for youth in our community. Jigsaw is a fantastic resource for young people who need a listening ear and our very own Cian Aherne is here to speak with us about the charity’s importance and its partnership with UL Bohemian RFC. Fantastic insight into the partnership with Jigsaw and mental health at our club, from our U18’s coach Andy Lacey. Our very own Cian Aherne, who joined our club at underage and right up as part of our senior team, now works with JIGSAW Limerick. UL Bohs know how important looking after each other and ourselves is, both on and off the pitch, and Cian is a credit to himself when it comes to spreading awareness about mental health to our Limerick youth! Our lads from the U18 team, Gavin Rowsome, Aaron Leonard, and Evan O’Halloran speak about why being back training with UL Bohs is so important for both their physical and mental health in addition to a well-needed social element during this hard time. Remember, we’re all in this together so let’s #beagoodteammate and look out for each other during these difficult times 🤝
We hope this partnership will help the youth in our community and in our club to learn more about mental health and the skills needed to mind yourself and look out for each other during these difficult times. A special thank you to the Limerick Leader and Limerick Leader Sport for interviewing our club about the partnership with Jigsaw and why mental health is so important to our U18’s team 💪
Mental Health & Our Youth
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unforeseen and challenging event for everyone. Many people can find it worrying and may have concerns for the future. We always encourage our members, supporters and community to seek support in times of crisis, stress or increasing pressure. During this pandemic, it has been particularly difficult for many people, and with rugby not operating as normal we understand that it can be especially hard both for your physical and mental health. Therefore, we encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed, stressed or just not their usual self, to seek support from the fantastic mental health services available to our community, or even simply reach out to a friend you can trust. We encourage you to reach out to someone if you are experiencing some of the following:
- increased anxiety
- feeling stressed
- finding yourself excessively checking for symptoms, in yourself, or others
- becoming irritable more easily
- feeling insecure or unsettled
- fearing that normal aches and pains might be the virus
- having trouble sleeping
- feeling helpless or a lack of control
- having irrational thoughts
About Jigsaw Youth Mental Health Services
UL Bohemian RFC has partnered with Jigsaw Youth Mental Health Services for 2021, to encourage our Underage and Young Adults in our club to get support if they feel that this is needed during these difficult times. Jigsaw is a free, confidential mental health support for young people between the ages of 12 – 25 years old. Jigsaw also provides amazing services for parents and guardians of youth who may be struggling during this time.
Jigsaw also has a fantastic service whereby people can ask questions completely anonymously. A Jigsaw clinician will read through each week’s questions and answer them online each week. Jigsaw also offers Live Chat support for people between the ages of 12 – 25 years old. Their trained staff are available online Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 pm – 5 pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 2 pm – 8 pm.
Book an appointment, chat with a professional, or find out more about Jigsaw from their website: www.jigaw.ie
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