Mental Health

Mental Health

Many of us know that socialising, playing sports, getting exercise and plenty of fresh air are great proven activities for bettering our physical and mental health. 

However, sometimes the competitive side of the game, negative experiences with others or the environment we play in, can also challenge our mental health. Other pressures from work, social or home life can also weigh on ourselves or those around us. 

It can be harder to see when a teammate or club member is struggling with mental health issues. However, we can all play a role in watching out for each other and speaking up to break the stigma around mental health. 

Our commitment is to create a safe, healthy and inclusive environment, where players, refs, coaches and families can watch out for each other and interact together respectfully. This means speaking up against bullying, treating others with respect and promoting football for all.

As part of raising awareness for mental health, Northern NSW Football runs an annual Mental Health Round across its Premier competitions. 

We are part of a football team and community. This means we support each other, watch out for each other and have each other’s backs. Our diversity only makes us stronger, and our strength will be an example to follow for the next generation to come. 

Register your club now for 2024 Mental Health Week


Clubs can participate in Mental Health Round by registering for club promo packs including: 

  • signage
  • merchandise  
  • digital marketing assets 

REGISTERATION CLOSED
 
SHEDTALKS
 
A webinar on supporting positive mental health at your club will also be available, along with ShedTalks aimed at 12-25 years players where clubs have access to a mental health expert to discuss positive mental health (places limited). 

ShedTalks are now full.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION WEBINAR

A Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Webinar will be available to all members of the football family.

There will be a panel of mental health experts as well as other football family members discussing strategies to suicide prevention and positive mental health. 

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to navigate mental health in pressure situations
  • Dealing with pressures from the outside
  • Practical strategies to deal with mental health
  • Who can I go to
  • Q & A



SAFETALK
 
SafeTALK Gatekeeper Training will also be provided to upskill coaches & volunteers of your club in suicide prevention strategies. (Face to Face workshop in the Hunter Region).

REGISTRATION CLOSED

START  

For those who cannot attend there will be access to START which allows all clubs/members no matter their location to complete suicide intervention training on the go, through a 90 minutes self-paced online course. 

REGISTERATION CLOSED

Where else can you find support?

There are several resources for players, refs, coaches and volunteers of sporting teams to help them open up to each other and have meaningful conversations that can save lives.

If you need support, help is available: 

Call 13 11 14  (24 hours a day)

Creating Inclusive and Safer Spaces

Raising Awareness for Mental Health