Rugby team in health initiative

PAMELA DUNCAN

MEMBERS OF the Australia rugby team took time out last night from their preparations for Sunday’s test match against Ireland to help launch a website about youth mental health issues, ReachOut.com

The service is part of a global network operating in Australia for over 10 years. The website is operated by the Inspire Ireland Foundation and contains 300 factsheets and stories covering major issues young people experience including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and making the transition out of home.

Wallabies manager Phil Thompson, assistant coach and former Munster player Jim Williams and players David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Lachie Turner and Richard Brown helped launch the website in the Vaults in Dublin’s Harbourmaster Place.

Williams said it was particularly difficult to convince young Irish men to get help, noting that males under 30 account for one in three Irish suicides. “I know the Irish psyche, especially with young men that they’re reluctant to get help. It’s one of those things where it’s not seen as a thing to do,” he said.

Inspire Ireland chief executive Jonathan Nicholas said the website was important as young men could seek help anonymously.