Comment by Lou Macari

I WAS at the Britannia Stadium twice last week, because I was also invited to help launch an initiative called It’s A Goal.

It is aimed at young men suffering from depression, for whatever reason, and gives them the chance to talk over their problems in a footballing environment and in total confidence.

I was shocked to learn that men in the 16 to 35 age bracket are four times more likely to kill themselves than any other group in society.

That may be because lads in that age group are also less inclined to talk over their problems.

Well, here is an initiative that can hopefully help them do that and, having experienced the trauma of a family suicide myself, I would urge anyone in that kind of situation to talk to someone, by taking advantage of an initiative like this.

As I say, everything is totally confidential and you can make contact by either e-mailing itsagoalstoke@northstaffs.nhs.uk or by calling Tim Hamlett on 07515 191234.