An inaugural wellbeing tournament on Saturday 11th September will mark Musselburgh Golf Club’s first steps to becoming a mentally healthy golf club.
Teaming up with two mental health organisations, NHS 24’s Breathing Space service and the charity Samaritans, alongside partners Network Rail, the Club aims to drive conversations to support better mental health locally.
Stuart Wright, Captain of Musselburgh Golf Club, said: “Just as we have physical health, we all have mental health too. As a club we recognise that golf can connect people and have tremendous benefits to our wellbeing.
This past year has been a challenging time for so many – we want to ensure our club members and the wider community feel supported. By developing a Wellbeing Strategy and hosting a series of events, training and other activities over the year we hope to make mental health a priority at the club. We’re looking forward to hosting our very first Wellbeing Tournament.”
The Wellbeing Tournament takes a three ball format and will raise awareness of the support provided by mental health services such as Breathing Space and Samaritans. The Tournament coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September.
Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, said: “Musselburgh Golf Club is doing a tremendous job in taking forward this mental wellbeing agenda.
“The Wellbeing Tournament will provide an opportunity to unveil a special ‘Take some Breathing Space’ bench at the clubhouse, offering members and the wider community a place to connect and reflect. We hope that the important work they are doing can be replicated by other clubs in the future.”
Over the coming months, ‘Learn to Listen’ workshops will be delivered by Samaritans’ Edinburgh branch to club staff and members to improve listening skills and develop SHUSH listening tips to listen effectively to others.
This will be complemented by wellbeing talks from Breathing Space with the aim of removing the stigma sometimes associated with mental ill-health.
Rachel Cackett, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “Musselburgh Golf Club’s commitment to supporting and promoting mental and emotional wellbeing is a fantastic example of how sports and community groups can play a leading role in supporting open conversations about mental health and fostering meaningful connections.
“The Wellbeing Tournament and wider activity at the club is one of many examples where Samaritans, supported by Network Rail and a range of partners like Breathing Space, are working with local communities to champion mental health & wellbeing and ensure that more people know they don’t have to face difficult times alone.
“We’re are delighted to be able to support Musselburgh in their journey towards becoming a mentally health golf club through initiatives like our Learn to Listen workshops and we hope that their commitment will inspire other clubs across Scotland to consider how they can champion mental health and wellbeing within their communities.”
Minister for Mental Wellbeing & Social Care Kevin Stewart said: “Mental health and wellbeing is everyone’s business, so I welcome the partnership approach being taken by Breathing Space, Musselburgh Golf Club, Samaritans and Network Rail in running this wellbeing golfing event and installing the Breathing Space bench.
“This helps remind us all of the value of looking after our own wellbeing and caring for family, friends and colleagues. My message is simple – we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about how we are feeling.
“This event is an excellent way to combine sport and improving mental wellbeing. I hope that, over the coming years, many members and visitors to the club will find the Breathing Space bench a useful place to gather their thoughts, and to take time to reflect.”