Matt Beard has passed away aged 47

[Mon Autre]

Really apparent how universally liked he was be that by his players, colleagues or journalists. Know a couple of people who knew him through their work and they're absolutely devastated.

Theres been a lot of men who have worked in women's football who have really failed to build good working relationships with their players, and often to the detriment of their players' well being. Beard was the polar opposite of that though. He cared about the women's game and respected his players. He'll be really missed.

And i was glad that players and employees were put first for once regarding the Liverpool v Villa fixture. There were players on both teams who had worked really closely with him and im glad they were allowed space to grieve if that's what they wanted rather than forced to play a game of football.

 

[Pingu the Penguin]

I wasn't going to comment, but I have to agree with what you've put.

It's easy to say, "just talk to someone". That person is in a pit that they can't get out of and in their mind, talking to someone is the worst thing possible as they likely won't want others to worry about them.

It's up to us as decent humans to check in with our friends and family, especially the ones that are always seemingly happy, as they're often the ones that hide it the best.

I've gotten into the habit of texting friends, "love you mate" randomly, just so people know I'm here and that people care about them.

And I'm not saying if a close friend or family member ends their life that it's your fault for not checking in - ultimately we can only do what we can do.

Society is on its arse at the moment, we need to be looking out for each other.

Strangely i nearly didn’t post it either as I didn’t want to look like it was a snark! Wasn’t intending it to be, but in my time with samaritans ive heard so many suicidal people talk about it and even though they know they should reach out and talk they feel they just can’t

Again speaking about myself I wonder how many times ive asked someone how they are and hoped they’d just give the stock British reply of “I’m ok” or whatever because I wasn’t able have the headspace myself to cope with the consequences of them not being ok, or I was too busy, or whatever. Or the even more amount of times ive not asked at all

If you are worried about someone the dont wait for them to bring it up or the right moment or whatever.

Love the random text idea. Ive started calling people ive not heard from in a bit too.

 

[Odd socks]

Really sad loss, and terrible for the family.

I think there are some quite big misconceptions about suicide, and the suicidal. Worth a look:

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/8-common-myths-about-suicide

Also worth saying is that of course it would be better for people feeling suicidal to talk to people, but it's also true that if you spot someone struggling then you could and should reach out and create a space for them to do that. In modern life I think we can struggle with that bit (speaking for myself and not others). If you've got 30 mins time to spare consider looking at this, it may help save someone's life:

Free online suicide awareness training from the Zero Suicide Alliance

Take the FREE online suicide awareness training from the ZSA to gain basic suicide awareness and prevention skills.

www.zerosuicidealliance.com

Been thinking about your post all week and decided that I would come back to your link and spend some time doing the course.
Made it part of my "to do" list today and it's worth it.
Thanks

 

[Pingu the Penguin]

Been thinking about your post all week and decided that I would come back to your link and spend some time doing the course.
Made it part of my "to do" list today and it's worth it.
Thanks

Thanks mate and it’s one of those things you hope you never need but one day just might. If you found it useful pass it on

 

[bluethrunthru]

Inquest opened today and it was confirmed he took his own life - found hanging at his home. Such a tragic waste