One Love! One Heart! Let's get together and feel all right…

In football, moments of success often have far-reaching implications beyond the field. Success in many international sports can bring a sense of unity - when a national team takes to the field in a major competition, it unifies us and can promote a sense of common purpose.. The qualification of Scotland's Men’s National football team last night for the European Championships - with two games to spare - is a remarkable feat.

Wellbeing is a holistic concept, so can the national team qualifying for the European Championships provide a boost to the collective wellbeing of Scotland? The anticipation, excitement, and celebration associated with qualifying this time has certainly alleviated my stress – unlike the campaigns themselves which in the past have often led to me biting my nails… This success can also inspire perhaps lots more of us to engage in sports and lead healthier lives.

Sport has the incredible ability to strengthen that sense of community that we cherish and our qualification for the tournament next year will undoubtedly see fans across Scotland gathering to watch matches together. I’ve such strong memories of past tournaments - watching at home with family and friends - communal experiences which fostered for me a sense of belonging, a love of the game, and certainly – no matter the result - a feeling of better wellbeing.

So, if you can’t get to Germany for the party next year I would argue that you can still enjoy that amazing communal benefit - just dig out your tartan, fling on you kilt and go see a pal…and gie it laldy!

Don’t forget our Community Mental Health & Wellbeing fund is open now:

https://engagerenfrewshire.org/engage-support/community-mental-health-wellbeing-fund.html

All the best

Alan