Tag: Scottish Rugby

Tackling mental health for National Breathing Space Day

Glasgow Hutchesons’ Aloysians Rugby Club has teamed up with Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phone service, to encourage Scots to take some time out for their mental health.

The initiative is part of a wider partnership between Breathing Space and Scottish Rugby, to raise awareness of the confidential support the phoneline provides for anyone feeling low or stressed.

A video featuring GHA players and their top tips on how to de-stress, will be shared online on National Breathing Space Day (1st February).

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, said: “Rugby is a challenging sport, it’s inspiring to hear how these young players stay mentally healthy through physical activity.

“We’re also getting the message across that our helpline is available in the evenings and weekends for anyone who is struggling and needs a listening ear.”

Breathing Space receive around 8,000 calls each month from people across Scotland struggling with their mental health. Trained advisors are able to give support and advice on a wide range of issues, including loneliness, relationship issues and anxiety.

Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said: “Breathing Space do important work to support people across Scotland who are feeling low, stressed or anxious. Taking steps early on to improve mental wellbeing by caring for ourselves and for others is so important.

“Our Mental Health Strategy stresses that we want to see a Scotland where more people are more active, more often, in part because being active is good for our mental wellbeing. So I think it’s great that Breathing Space are linking up with GHA Rugby Club to support the role that sport and physical activity can play in maintaining good mental wellbeing.”

Brian Tracey, President of GHA RFC, added: “When I took over the presidency it coincided with a couple of tragic events surrounding players at nearby clubs.

“It made me determined that we as a club put in place a framework of help and support. Breathing Space have been part of that network and we value their partnership with GHA.”

Breathing Space is available on freephone 0800 83 85 87, from 6pm to 2am weekdays and 24 hours at the weekend.

GHA will be taking part in the U18 Scottish Cup Semi Final vs Hawick on 1st February.

Travel advice for rugby fans

Rugby fans heading to watch Scotland in the Autumn Tests this month are being advised to take note of traffic and travel information.

In their first match this Saturday (10 November, kick-off 2.30pm), Scotland are playing host to Fiji and tens of thousands of spectators are expected to flock to BT Murrayfield Stadium for the sell-out fixture.

To ensure pedestrian safety and to minimise traffic disruption, pedestrian diversions will be implemented around the Haymarket Station area over the next three weekends.

The Council is working closely with Police Scotland to keep road and pedestrian traffic moving smoothly before and after the games.

And Edinburgh Trams will be running services to the Stadium from every three minutes, with extra staff on hand to help customers.

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “The Autumn Tests always create a great buzz in the Capital and we’re anticipating hundreds of thousands of spectators to flock to Murrayfield to see Scotland in action over the next three weekends. 

“Please take heed of travel advice and road closure information to help you plan your journey in advance. And go Scotland!”

Road Closures & Restrictions  

There are a number of temporary traffic and parking restrictions in place on nearby streets on match days.

Supporters attending any of the fixtures using any nearby on-street parking are advised to check the timings of the road closures as they may be parked within an area that is affected by the various post-match closures.

Access/egress will not be available during the road closure times, including areas such as Haymarket Yards, the Stanhope area, Wester Coates area, Balbirnie Place and parts of the Roseburn area.

Pedestrian Management

To ensure pedestrian safety and to minimise traffic disruption, pedestrian movement will be safely managed around the Haymarket area following the match.

Those heading back into the city centre or Haymarket Station may experience delays due to the available width for the number of supporters heading along this corridor.

Alternative routes back to the city centre are available via Magdala Crescent, Coates Gardens or Rosebery Crescent. Access into Haymarket Station will be managed across the tram tracks. Trams will still be running so members of the public are asked to be patient and take advice from the stewards and Police who are there to ensure their safety.

Unlike previous fixtures there will be NO route back to the city centre/Haymarket Station via Balbirnie Place/Haymarket Yards. Pedestrians heading along Russell Road will be directed to Dalry Road as an alternative route back to the City Centre.

Please note that these diversions will not add any significant length on to pedestrians’ route and will have no affect to journey times as delays to pedestrian movement will be reduced.

These measures are there for the safety of all road users. Further assistance and instruction will be given to rail passengers as they approach Haymarket Station.

Supporters must allow plenty of extra time for their journey to the game. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at BT Murrayfield before the match, with lots of food and drink options available.

Identical arrangements are planned for Saturday 17 November, when Scotland will face South Africa in another sell-out match kicking off 5.20pm, and Saturday 24 November, when the hosts will take on Argentina (kick-off 2.30pm).

Information about getting to and from BT Murrayfield Stadium by bus, tram or rail for the Autumn Tests can be found on the Scottish Rugby website.

Full details of temporary road closures and parking restrictions are available on the Council website.

FOOTBALL FANS HAVE A BALL DURING BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF BT MURRAYFIELD

Scottish Rugby gave exclusive access to supporters and youth players from Spartans FC

Ahead of the SFA’s decision on the future home of Scottish Football, 100 football fans were given the chance to see BT Murrayfield for themselves during an exclusive tour. Continue reading FOOTBALL FANS HAVE A BALL DURING BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF BT MURRAYFIELD

Media scrum: Rugby ace tackles questions from Edinburgh College students

Scottish rugby’s record points scorer was grilled under the spotlight in a mock press conference by Edinburgh College students this week. Retired rugby ace Chris Paterson visited the college’s Audio Visual Technology and Creative Industries: Television students, who scrummed down to get the scoop on his life and career.  Continue reading Media scrum: Rugby ace tackles questions from Edinburgh College students

PYCP marks AGM with dance studio opening

Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP) are holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday 28 September at 3pm in The Greenhouse on West Pilton Place. This will be no ordinary, humdrum business meeting, however – Scottish rugby legend Chris Paterson will officially open PYCP’s brand new purpose-built creative dance studio at the event!

PYCP’s senior development worker LAURA McLAREN explains all:

Pilton Youth and Children’s Project

“The Wooden Spoon Studio”

Pilton Youth and Children’s Project are delighted to announce the opening of their new studio, made possible by a generous award from “Wooden Spoon”, the children’s charity of rugby. Wooden Spoon was founded in 1983 and is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and young people across the British Isles live happier, richer lives. The charity comprises of over 40 regional volunteer committees, a central national team and over 10,000 members. All regional committees undertake many local fundraising activities and only spend the money raised on projects in their local community. During their first 25 years, over half a million young people benefitted from more than £18 million of charitable support thanks to the efforts of staff and volunteers.

PYCP have worked with Wooden Spoon since late last year, liaising with Charlie Bryden, Regional Committee Chair for Scotland. This resulted in a grant of up to £10,000 with which to renovate an unused room at PYCP into a multi-purpose creative studio. PYCP work with children from the age of 5 to young people age 18. Although staff have been able to offer short-term creative projects, it was felt by both workers and young people of all ages that a protected space with which to develop activities such as dance and drama would be really beneficial.

The grant from Wooden Spoon has enabled PYCP to lay special dance suitable sprung flooring and a large mirror so that young people can watch themselves practice dance routines. They have also been able to buy dance barres and a new sound system. The funding has also helped PYCP update their stage lighting, as well as giving the room a new look with fresh decorating. Children, young people and indeed the wider community are really excited about using the new studio; the first creative project might be a Christmas show!!

Wooden Spoon works closely with the UK rugby community, also involving some of rugby’s top sporting role models in making a difference in the lives of young people in need. PYCP were lucky enough to have Chris Paterson, MBE AND Scottish rugby’s record cap and points holder, to officially open the studio on Friday 28 September as part of PYCP’s Annual General Meeting.

For more information or a tour of the studio, please contact Pilton Youth and Children’s Project on 0131 332 9815.

Laura McLaren, PYCP