AHEAD of Mental Health Awareness Week, which commences May 18, 2020, we are reminding supporters to look after their mental health and wellbeing during the current coronavirus crisis.

Last week, Celtic became the first club to back the Scottish Government’s ‘Clear your Head’ campaign, which shares practical advice and tips to help people cope throughout this crisis and beyond.

And today, Sport and Wellbeing Minister Joe Fitzpatrick thanked the club for their backing. He said: “It’s great to have the support for our Clear Your Head campaign from Celtic FC. This is a timely reminder from one of Scotland’s biggest clubs that football can be a powerful force for good, inspiring positive outcomes for communities and individuals.

“I hope this will encourage more people to consider some of the steps we can all take to look after our mental health and wellbeing whilst continuing to stay at home during the current COVID-19 crisis.

"These are unprecedented and difficult times, and people should not be afraid to seek help – clearyourhead.scot has links to a range of sources of support.”

The Clear your Head campaign website, acts as a signpost to sources of help and advice including NHS Inform, and helplines such as NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.

It also provides a range of advice focusing on the following:

Keeping to a routine
Trying to sleep and wake at the same time, and eating at regular times.

Moving more
Staying active, within the current guidance, to boost your mood.

Taking a break
Limiting exposure to the news on social media if you feel things are getting on top of you, instead using fun games, quizzes and apps online to pass the time.

Making time for yourself
Simply taking a breather or doing something you enjoy.

Keeping in touch
Phoning family and friends to ease worry and feel connected.

Celtic FC Foundation, the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club, carries out its own initiatives in this area, namely, the hugely successful You’ll Never Talk Alone project. The programme strives to tackle the growing issue of loneliness and has been personally supported by Celtic manager, Neil Lennon.

And Neil was also delighted to offer his wholehearted support to the Clear Your Head initiative. He said: “We are delighted to support the Clear Your Head campaign, which provides some excellent advice and support for us all during these difficult and unprecedented times.

“Our own Foundation has been very active in this area and I have seen first-hand the impact which effective programmes in this area can have on people’s mental health and well-being.

“The current crisis and lockdown is so difficult for us all. I am sure these circumstances will affect so many people in so many different ways, but the Clear Your Head campaign offers really good, sensible advice and important support to anyone who needs it.

“The current situation presents us all with so many challenges, but its really important that we all help each other as much as we can. We all need to realise that there is some great support out there and the Clear Your Head Campaign is one of these very useful resources.”

Any supporters wishing to access the Clear your Head campaign should go to: clearyourhead.scot

Scottish Government thanks Celtic for Clear The Head support