THE MS for Alyn and Deeside has praised a football club's work to tackle stigma surrounding mental health following the death of his best friend.

Jamie Wynne, 28, was a much-loved footballer from Connah's Quay who died last September.

Following his death, one of his former clubs Connah's Quay Town FC has been working to address mental health issues and support members who are struggling.

The club has also launched a mental health support leaflet.

Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant, who was one of Mr Wynne's best friends, hopes other clubs will follow in Connah's Quay Town FC's footsteps.

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Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Sargeant said: “Sadly, last September, Deeside lost another young person far too soon. If I'm being completely honest, I'm struggling to come to terms with the fact that I lost my best friend Jamie Wynne.

"But Jamie's local grass-roots football team, Connah's Quay Town Football Club, have decided they want to help people talk about their own mental health, the stigma around mental health, and to signpost them to further support.

"The club have put together a leaflet, highlighting and directing people to Samaritans, to Mind and to Shout or even to their own well-being champions within the club.

"Trefnydd, I'd love to see this initiative being carried out across Cymru. Can I ask for the Welsh Government to make a statement on how they can support such initiatives across Wales?”

Rob Ross, club chairperson, said: “Tackling mental health stigma and encouraging people to reach out is important, especially for young men.

"We want to use football as a way of encouraging this and we also want to signpost people to support.

"Jack has always been a friend of the club and we are grateful for his support.”

The Leader:

PIC: Jamie Wynne, who was from Connah's Quay, died in September 2022.

Mental health has been the subject of significant scrutiny in the Senedd over recent years.

The Welsh Government's commitment to its Programme for Government includes:

  • Prioritising investment in mental health;
  • Prioritising service redesign to improve prevention, tackle stigma, and promote a ‘no wrong door’ approach to mental health support;
  • Rolling out CAMHS ‘in reach’ support in schools across Wales.

The Welsh Government has also indicated that the successor to its existing ‘Together for mental health’ strategy will be published for consultation by the end of 2023.