BRIAN Hay has seen for himself how sport can, quite literally, save someone’s life. That’s why he’s determined to use it to help as many people as he can. 

The dad-of-one is behind a unique scheme tackling mental health issues in Priesthill, which offers a safe space on the football pitch for teenagers to speak out during difficult times. 

Headspace at Hillwood sees Hillwood Football Club’s home opened once a week to youngsters in the area for free to meet with pals and hone their skills. 

READ MORE: Former Rangers boss gives backing to Hillwood Football Club bid to help youngsters

“It’s just trying to get people to talk,” Brian, 46, said. “If they are not scared to talk, that will help massively. It’s such an important first step.

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“I’ve seen it myself. Sport is a big part of it. People express themselves on a football pitch in a way they might not normally.”

Brian is speaking today as part of the Glasgow Times’ series of articles for Mental Health Awareness Week, which comes after a number of young people took their lives in the city’s South Side. 

This includes Edward McEwan, from Pollok, and on Monday his family told of the dad’s struggles in a bid to help others. 

“There have been another three or four people I know personally who have sadly taken their own lives.,” Brian, a fork lift driver by trade, added. “These kids know some of these people and it’s starting to become normalised for them.

“We try to take that focus away from them and don’t want them to have that option.”
Brian, who now lives in Govan, added: “Headspace came about because a number of young people had taken their own lives in the local area. We had to try to give them something to look forward, so they always had some focus.

“The best way to do that, in my opinion, is outside in fresh air, so they can exercise and mix with kids in their own age group without peer pressure.

“We give them advice and literature. If they are feeling low or anxious, they can come to us and get the relevant information from us. 

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“We can always pass them onto someone else who is a wee bit more qualified.” 

Headspace, which is supported by Hillwood’s founder Willie Smith and was previously backed by former Rangers boss Alex McLeish, launched last year and while Brian admits lockdown has hindered progress, he has big plans for the future of the scheme.

“It’s my hope we can take this to other teams across the city,” he said. “Lockdown has slowed that down.

READ MORE: Mental Health Awareness Week: Glasgow family speaks out about Pollok dad’s suicide

“One thing holding us back right now is funding. We know it’s available but we want the right type. We want to take the kids hillwalking and other things like that.

“Willie has been great with us and given us the pitch for free." 

If you would like more information about Headspace, visit @HeadspaceScot on Twitter.