Westlife star teams up with Sligo
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Westlife popstar Mark Feehily has teamed up with Sligo Rovers to support a worthy cause in depression awareness charity, Aware.
The Sligo-born star has joined forces with the Bit O’Red to create awareness about the charity, which focuses on promoting knowledge of depression in Ireland.
Almost half a million people are believed to suffer from depression at some stage of their lives in Ireland, and with over 500 suicides occurring each year, one member of Ireland’s most famous boyband has joined forces with double cup champions.
“I was happy to do it because I was looking to do something for a while. I’d been involved before with helping charities with Westlife and it is always something we have done,” the singer said earlier today.
“The lads and I were delighted to get involved because it is always a positive thing.When I was younger, I was too scared and didn’t know that there was someone I could talk to. Charities likes Aware exist for people who don’t know who to turn to.
“There is an alarmingly high rate of suicide attempts in Ireland and it is high in the north-west and we have to show there is help out there for people. It is too much of a serious topic for some people. People try to avoid it and don’t realise it is a serious condition.
"People don't feel comfortable talking about their problems and lock them up inside, which can be dangerous. We want to make people aware of it and show that there is someone to turn to.”
The club have held previous events, such as a ‘Daisy Day’ and a ‘Flag Day’, in the town to promote the charity with further announcements about other events due to be announced soon.
Feehily added: “This partnership with Rovers is the perfect opportunity to highlight it. When people see such a strong community element like Sligo Rovers supporting these issues, they become less taboo and show that we are all human and there is somebody to turn to.
“The players are role models and Aware is a fantastic charity so it is win-win. It is a great morale boost for the club. You’re doing something selfless and worthwhile and also building strength in the community.”
Aware loCall Helpline: 1890 303 302
Email support: wecanhelp@aware.ie
The Sligo-born star has joined forces with the Bit O’Red to create awareness about the charity, which focuses on promoting knowledge of depression in Ireland.
Almost half a million people are believed to suffer from depression at some stage of their lives in Ireland, and with over 500 suicides occurring each year, one member of Ireland’s most famous boyband has joined forces with double cup champions.
“I was happy to do it because I was looking to do something for a while. I’d been involved before with helping charities with Westlife and it is always something we have done,” the singer said earlier today.
“The lads and I were delighted to get involved because it is always a positive thing.When I was younger, I was too scared and didn’t know that there was someone I could talk to. Charities likes Aware exist for people who don’t know who to turn to.
“There is an alarmingly high rate of suicide attempts in Ireland and it is high in the north-west and we have to show there is help out there for people. It is too much of a serious topic for some people. People try to avoid it and don’t realise it is a serious condition.
"People don't feel comfortable talking about their problems and lock them up inside, which can be dangerous. We want to make people aware of it and show that there is someone to turn to.”
The club have held previous events, such as a ‘Daisy Day’ and a ‘Flag Day’, in the town to promote the charity with further announcements about other events due to be announced soon.
Feehily added: “This partnership with Rovers is the perfect opportunity to highlight it. When people see such a strong community element like Sligo Rovers supporting these issues, they become less taboo and show that we are all human and there is somebody to turn to.
“The players are role models and Aware is a fantastic charity so it is win-win. It is a great morale boost for the club. You’re doing something selfless and worthwhile and also building strength in the community.”
Aware loCall Helpline: 1890 303 302
Email support: wecanhelp@aware.ie
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile