A LIFESAVING men's mental health group set up by Morton's community arm has scooped a national award.

The 'Team Talk' initiative, set up two years ago, won the Best Para-Football Project at a Scottish Football Assocation's ceremony.

It has been recognised for providing a space for men to talk to their peers and find ways to discuss their problems.

Morton in the Community set it up in a bid to tackle the alarming number of suicides in men aged under 45 in Inverclyde.

Jonny Roy, who runs the sessions, said: "We are delighted to be recognised for our Team Talk project.

"We firmly believe this project saves lives on a weekly basis.

"Projects like Team Talk are crucial and give people the opportunity to get things off their chest, create a peer support network and build friendships.”

The Tele told how local man Stephen Sweeney who had suffered a mental health breakdown was saved by the group.

Team Talk is helping to tackle male mental health issues which have increasingly been in the spotlight since Covid.

Brian McLaughlin, chief executive, of Greenock Morton Community Trust, said: “We made a commitment in May 2019 to open Cappielow every Monday evening to provide a safe welcoming space for men to talk and feel included.

"When we explored this idea, Inverclyde had the second highest suicide rate in Scotland for men under 45 years - we had to act.

"We are delighted to have won this award but the main award is providing for our community and reducing the stigma around mental health.”

Team Talk sessions are held every Monday evening from 6.30-8.30pm in the boardroom at Cappielow, and crucially, no registration is required.

Participants can simply turn up on the night and enjoy the chat and refreshments that are on offer.

Morton in the Community say they'd like to thank Inverclyde HSCP, the SPFL Trust, Foundation Scotland and the Clyde Coffee Club for all their support in establishing Team Talk as such a successful programme.

*Anyone who would like more information on Team Talk can call Jonny at Morton in the Community on 07950482006 or email jroy@mortoncommunity.net