Jerseys with mental health message catch on in Dunmore

Playing sport can help

A SET of training jerseys being worn by the Dunmore MacHales Ladies Football senior and junior teams is aimed at raising awareness of mental health.

The jerseys carry the logo of the mental health and well-being clothing company HUH – which stands for How’s Ur Head? The message ‘It’s ok not to be ok’ is carried on the arms of the jerseys.

Aoife Smyth, who plays with the Dunmore MacHales Ladies Football senior side, organised the jerseys for the team.

“I am the player representative this year. I wanted to try and make use out of the role and highlight mental health awareness within the team, to try to get people talking about it more openly,” said Aoife, who returned to playing football a few years ago after stepping away due to a back injury.

“I think it's such an important message (on the arms of the jerseys) because everyone has something going on. All too often, we put on a front and make out that everything is fine when it might not be.

“I think sport is hugely important for mental health. It's not a solution to everything, and it's not a replacement for professional support when someone is struggling, but it can help. Being away from your phone and a laptop, playing sport, can help.”

The jerseys have received a positive reaction in Dunmore. The owner of the An Dun Rí pub in the town is looking to have staff members wear HUH-branded clothing carrying the mental health message.

Aoife has been in touch with Mark Donnelly, the owner of HUH, about having the training jerseys sold online in the run-up to Christmas.

“The jerseys will cost €50 and €5 of that will go to a mental health charity,” said Aoife.

“It will be an online Christmas shop, where people will be able to buy jerseys through a link on their website. We’ll be promoting it through the Dunmore MacHales Ladies Football social media pages.”