Pool halls become unlikely frontline in push to tackle men’s mental health

Some of the members of Carrick Pool League

Pool clubs across Carrickfergus are being recognised as more than just places to compete and socialise, with a local league using the game’s strong community spirit to encourage men to open up about their mental health and seek support when they need it.

Recently, during Men’s Health Week, the Carrick and District Pool League (CDPL) joined forces with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to promote the message that talking about mental health can save lives, using the league’s regular gatherings as an opportunity to break down barriers around emotional wellbeing.

With 14 teams, 186 registered players and supporters travelling with clubs throughout the season, the league has become a significant community network where friendships extend beyond the pool table.

The initiative forms part of the PHA’s ‘Talking Really Helps’ campaign, which promotes awareness of Lifeline, Northern Ireland’s free 24-hour crisis helpline and counselling service for people experiencing distress, despair or mental health crisis.

Using sport and community to start conversations

For many players, weekly matches provide more than competition. They offer routine, connection and a chance to check in with teammates and friends.

Darren Whiteside, CDPL league secretary and member of Times Bar Scorpions Pool Team, said the league has always been built on a sense of community and mutual support.

“Our team and our league are about more than just winning matches,” he said.

“It’s a place where people come together every week, look out for each other and feel able to open up without fear of judgement.

“Supporting ‘Talking Really Helps’ felt like a natural fit – sometimes a quiet word before or after a game can make a real difference.”

Across league venues, posters and campaign messages are displayed throughout club premises and on social media, encouraging anyone experiencing anxiety, distress or crisis to start a conversation and access support if needed.

A focus on men’s mental health

The campaign comes against the backdrop of concerning suicide statistics in Northern Ireland.

The latest published figures show that of the 290 deaths by suicide recorded in 2024, almost four in five — 79.3 per cent — were male. Suicide also remains the leading cause of death among men under the age of 50.

Those figures continue to underline the importance of reaching men in places where they feel comfortable and connected, particularly in community environments where conversations can happen naturally.

Kathy Owens, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said initiatives like the one being led by the Carrick Pool League can play an important role in reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.

“Men often experience pressures around speaking openly about how they’re feeling,” she said.

“Some can view it as a sign of weakness but it is in fact a sign of strength to talk to others about feelings of low mood, anxiety and stress, and through talking things can get better.

“Community spaces like pool clubs can play a vital role in helping to break down barriers and normalise conversations about mental health. By supporting Lifeline messaging, the Carrick Pool League is sending a powerful message – that no one has to cope on their own and that help is available.”

Training players to support one another

The league’s commitment extends beyond awareness campaigns.

At the beginning of each season, every team nominates at least one player to attend mental health awareness training through the Link Life Connections programme.

The programme helps participants develop the confidence and skills needed to support teammates and others who may be struggling.

Darren said the league is also planning to expand that work later this year.

“At the start of the season, each team nominates at least one player to attend mental health awareness training through the Link Life Connections programme,” he said.

“In September, we plan to encourage more players to take part in SafeTALK training, so they have the skills to look out for their teammates and for everyone to know they have a safe space within the Carrick and District Pool League.

“To finish the season CDPL have a ‘Pool Together’ celebration event where players get awarded trophies and we listen to mindful music and songs selected by the players.”

The Link Life Connections programme and forthcoming SafeTALK training are supported by the PHA and delivered by Fresh Minds Education. Both initiatives focus on suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing and equipping participants to recognise when someone may need support.

Building a culture of support

Alongside training programmes, the league regularly hosts events featuring guest speakers who provide advice and guidance on maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing.

The season will conclude with the ‘Pool Together’ celebration event, designed to bring players together in a supportive and inclusive environment while recognising achievements throughout the year.

Darren also acknowledged the organisations helping to make the initiatives possible.

“We’re grateful to Lifeline for providing a vital safety net and we’d also like to thank Impact Network NI for their ongoing support in helping us deliver these initiatives,” he said.

The partnership highlights how community organisations can play an important role in supporting mental health by creating safe spaces where conversations happen naturally and where people feel supported by those around them.

For many involved in the Carrick and District Pool League, that message is simple but powerful: checking in with someone, listening and starting a conversation could make all the difference.

For anyone struggling with their mental health, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The confidential service offers immediate support from professionally trained counsellors and can be contacted free on 0808 808 8000.

Further information is available at  Lifeline Helpline⁠