Northern NSW Football is proud to deliver its annual Mental Health Round from Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August 2026.
Mental Health Round is recognised across the region as an opportunity for clubs to promote positive mental health outcomes and create safe, supportive and inclusive environments for players, coaches, volunteers and members of the NNSWF community.
The round aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, encourage conversations and education, and highlight the support available to clubs and individuals within football.
NNSWF continues to work alongside Talk2MeBro following the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2024 to support the delivery of mental health programs for clubs across northern NSW.
Talk2MeBro have continued to deliver mental health programs to premier and community clubs across the region, helping clubs build confidence in recognising, discussing and supporting mental health within their environments.
Talk2MeBro Director Luke Conners said Mental Health Round is an important opportunity to reinforce the value of everyday conversations and community support.
“Mental Health Round is a great reminder that support doesn't have to wait for a crisis. It can start with a simple conversation at training, in the locker room or on the sidelines,” Conners said.
“We're proud to stand alongside Northern NSW Football and their clubs, and we'd encourage every player, coach and volunteer to lean into these conversations, not just this round, but all season long.”
NNSWF General Manager Member Services Ross Hicks encouraged clubs to embrace Mental Health Round and play an active role in supporting the wellbeing of their football communities.
“Mental Health Round provides an important opportunity for clubs to start conversations, raise awareness and reinforce that mental health is an important part of our football community,” Hicks said.
“We encourage clubs to create environments where players, coaches, volunteers and members feel supported and comfortable seeking help when they need it.
“Clubs can access resources through the NNSWF website and are encouraged to engage with Talk2MeBro and participate in their Early Intervention Program.”
Mental Health Round is a chance for the entire NNSWF community to come together, promote wellbeing and remind each other that support is available.
Talk2MeBro Early Intervention Program
Talk2MeBro's Early Intervention Program aims to reduce the incidence of suicide and create societal change by reducing the stigma around suicide.
The program educates, supports, and empowers those in attendance, with male and female players aged 15 years and older able to attend.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN TALK2MEBRO
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Webinar
A Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Webinar recording is now available.
Guest Speakers: The webinar consisted of a panel of mental health experts from CALM and Talk2MeBro, as well as former Newcastle Jets players Nigel Boogaard and Georgina Worth, discussing strategies for suicide prevention and positive mental health.
Topics for discussion on the webinar 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
WHERE ELSE CAN YOU FIND SUPPORT:
There are several resources for players, referees, coaches and volunteers of sporting teams to help them open up to each other and have meaningful conversations that can save lives.
- R U OK? - resources for sports teams and coaches
- Good Sports, Healthy Minds – mental health resources
- Orygen (National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health) - mental wellbeing in community sport toolkit
If you need support, help is available:
Speak with a counsellor at any time, for any reason. Free and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling.
- Call 1800 55 1800 (24 hours a day)
- Talk one-on-one with online counselling
- Connect on Facebook
- Lifeline website
Call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day)