Peader Collins a business student here in UL is challenging rugby fans to put the half-time break in this year’s World Cup games to good use for mental health awareness.
Peadar has created a campaign to promote communication surrounding mental health known as #Speakfor15. The campaign, which has been promoted by the Munster senior rugby team, encourages fans across the country to simply speak to a friend for the 15-minute half-time break for the next few weeks.
“The work of Pieta House really goes under the radar sometimes, and I know a lot of families that struggle with their mental health so I said I’d do it for them,” explained Peadar., who has raised over €1,000 for the charity since the start of the World Cup.
“There are many factors that contribute to mental health, and you can’t just tick all the boxes but communication is a huge part of it so I said I’d focus on that.”
“I got great support from UL Student Life, and ever since I launched the video last month it’s blown up,” he added, “it’s been great.”
Peadar, who played with Garryowen RFC as well as UL’s Munster Academy and the Irish 20’s team, has launched the social media campaign with the help of his brother Rory and a few friends.
Paul O’Brien and Amanda Craig have been a huge help with social media, it turns into a full-time job, so the help is great,” said Peadar, who hopes to keep the campaign running for other televised sports in the future.
Three time Golf Major Winner and Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington, Irish Rugby Players Jordan Larmour & Jordi Murphy to name a few are the many supporters of the #Speakfor15 campaign.
To get involved, simply chat to a friend during the game’s half-time break before nominating two friends to do the same by tagging them in a social media post using the hashtag #Speakfor15. To donate €2 to Pieta House, text ‘Pieta’ to 50300.
