Players teed off to mark Musselburgh Golf Club’s first steps to becoming a mentally healthy golf club.

They took part in a recent inaugural wellbeing tournament at the Monktonhall course after the club teamed up with two mental health organisations – NHS 24’s Breathing Space and Samaritans – and Network Rail to drive home conversations to support better mental health locally.

Stuart Wright, captain of Musselburgh Golf Club, said: “Just as we have physical health, we all have mental health too.

“As a club, we recognise that golf can connect people and have tremendous benefits to our wellbeing.”

He stressed that the past year had been “a challenging time” for so many amid the Covid-19 pandemic, adding: “We want to ensure our club members and the wider community feel supported.

“By developing a wellbeing strategy and hosting a series of events, training and other activities over the year, we hope to make mental health a priority at the club.”

The competition, which coincided with World Suicide Day, took a three ball format and raised awareness of the support provided by mental health services.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space national co-ordinator, said: “Musselburgh Golf Club is doing a tremendous job in taking forward this mental wellbeing agenda.

“The wellbeing tournament provided an opportunity to unveil a special ‘Take some Breathing Space’ bench at the clubhouse, offering members and the wider community a place to connect and reflect.

“We hope that the important work they are doing can be replicated by other clubs in the future.”

Over the coming months, ‘Learn to Listen’ workshops will be delivered by Samaritans’ Edinburgh branch to club staff and members to improve listening skills and develop SHUSH listening tips to listen effectively to others. This will be complemented by wellbeing talks from Breathing Space, with the aim of removing the stigma sometimes associated with mental ill-health.

Rachel Cackett, executive director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “Musselburgh Golf Club’s commitment to supporting and promoting mental and emotional wellbeing is a fantastic example of how sports and community groups can play a leading role in supporting open conversations about mental health and fostering meaningful connections.

“We’re are delighted to be able to support Musselburgh in their journey towards becoming a mentally health golf club through initiatives like our ‘Learn to Listen’ workshops and we hope that their commitment will inspire other clubs across Scotland to consider how they can champion mental health and wellbeing within their communities.”

Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing & Social Care, added: “Mental health and wellbeing is everyone’s business, so I welcome the partnership approach being taken by Breathing Space, Musselburgh Golf Club, Samaritans and Network Rail in running this wellbeing golfing event and installing the Breathing Space bench.

“This helps remind us all of the value of looking after our own wellbeing and caring for family, friends and colleagues.

“My message is simple – we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about how we are feeling.

“This event is an excellent way to combine sport and improving mental wellbeing.

“I hope that, over the years, many members and visitors will find the Breathing Space bench a useful place to gather their thoughts and to take time to reflect.”

Breathing Space is available in the evenings, 6pm to 2am weekdays, and 24 hours at the weekend (Friday 6pm to Monday 6am), on 0800 83 85 87. The web chat service can be accessed at breath ingspace.scot. Mental health support is also available at nhsinform.scot, including self-help guides.