A NEW drive has been launched to encourage football fans to use the half-time break at matches to open up about their mental health.
Some of the country's most famous faces have joined forces to record a powerful video that highlights the importance of talking and sharing problems to protect wellbeing.
Among the stars who have signed up to feature in the clip, which is under the FC United to Prevent Suicide banner, are Scotland's Euro 96 skipper Colin 'Braveheart' Hendry, ex-Ranger Nathan Patterson, and Bologna and former Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson, son of Rangers legend Derek.
They are joined by a host of other famous sporting faces, including Wimbledon doubles champion Jamie Murray, brother of Scots tennis icon Andy, as well as broadcaster and Good Morning Britain host Gordon Smart.
The campaign is also being supported by James McFadden, who wrote himself into Scottish football folklore when he netted from 30 yards to secure a famous 1-0 win over France in Paris in 2007, Scotland's first victory on French soil since 1950.
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James, 39, opens the 90-second clip, which the organisation hopes can be played during the half-time breaks at football grounds around the country. The retired winger, who is now a well-kent pundit, says he hopes it can play a role in breaking down stigmas and make footie fans realise the importance of looking after their mental health.
He said: "Just a 15-minute chat can save a life, so we want fans to use the break at games to open up. If you're feeling down or know someone who is, use that as a chance to open up and start a conversation. It could make all the difference. If you talk and listen, it could be a game changer to a person who isn't in the best of places."
The video urges fans to 'take the hardest step' by talking to others and asks supporters to lend an ear to those around them who may need support or help to share their worries.
The FC United To Prevent Suicide team, more commonly known as FC United, was founded in August 2021. The club has gone from strength to strength and now has more than 11,000 supporters on Twitter. It has also won backing all over Scotland, including from Glasgow clubs Rangers, Celtic and Partick Thistle, through a range of grassroot initiatives, as well as being adopted by the Govan Youth Information Project.
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We previously told how Hearts and Celtic players won praise after warming up in the club’s shirts last year in tribute to those who have lost their lives.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou said at the time: "Too often we are seeing people of all ages lost to suicide and while we understand that we all face very different moments and challenges in our lives we just want to encourage all people to think about having that conversation and using that support, which can make such a difference.”
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