Hibs boss Neil Lennon launches men's mental health project

Neil Lennon has helped launch a new football mental health project to encourage middle-aged men to open up.
Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon, who has previously spoken about this own mental health struggles, kicks-off The Changing Room programme at Easter Road today. Picture: Warren MediaHibernian head coach Neil Lennon, who has previously spoken about this own mental health struggles, kicks-off The Changing Room programme at Easter Road today. Picture: Warren Media
Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon, who has previously spoken about this own mental health struggles, kicks-off The Changing Room programme at Easter Road today. Picture: Warren Media

The Hibernian head coach, who has previously spoken out about his own struggles with depression, kicked off The Changing Room initiative at Easter Road today.

The two-year pilot project is aimed at encouraging men aged 30 to 62 to talk about their mental health.

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The initiative is run between mental health charity SAMH, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust and Hibs.

Hibs manager Neil Lennon has launched a new initiative to encourage middle-aged men to open upHibs manager Neil Lennon has launched a new initiative to encourage middle-aged men to open up
Hibs manager Neil Lennon has launched a new initiative to encourage middle-aged men to open up

Official figures show men in Scotland are two-and-a-half times more likely to take their own life than women.

It is the first mental health scheme in Scotland to be funded by global men’s health charity Movember Foundation.

Lennon said: “I’m delighted to support The Changing Room.

“It’s a great opportunity to promote positive mental health and wellbeing and I’d encourage men to get involved in this programme that could be the kick-start to something new in their lives.”

Hibs manager Neil Lennon has launched a new initiative to encourage middle-aged men to open upHibs manager Neil Lennon has launched a new initiative to encourage middle-aged men to open up
Hibs manager Neil Lennon has launched a new initiative to encourage middle-aged men to open up

The first group of men taking part in the programme will meet at Easter Road once a week for 12 weeks to start positive conversations about mental health.

SAMH external affairs director Jo Anderson added: “In talking to men we learned that large numbers in their middle years struggle to talk about their feelings, their mental health and how to ask for help.

“Working alongside Scottish football clubs, such as Hibernian, and using the power of football we will bring men together in spaces that they associate with, trust, and feel they belong.

“We hope by starting conversations about mental health that The Changing Room will make a real impact to the lives of those who take part.”

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