Mental Health Week 2025 kicks off across northern NSW

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Northern NSW Football is delighted to celebrate its annual Mental Health Week which kicks off today.

Mental Health Week will be acknowledged across the region from Monday 17 March to Sunday 23 March, with clubs encouraged to create safe and supportive environments for players.

The aim of Mental Health Week is to create positive mental health outcomes for players and members of the northern NSW football family through promoting the significance of raising awareness, encouraging education and ensuring mental health support within the football community.

As part of NNSWF Mental Health Week, round five of NPL Men’s NNSW, round six of NPL Women’s NNSW and round two of HIT106.9 Northern League One will be designated Mental Health Rounds.

NNSWF is continuing its partnership with Talk2MeBro, which has created mental health programs that they will deliver to premier and community clubs across northern NSW again this season.

NNSWF General Manager Member Services Ross Hicks encouraged all clubs to get involved in Mental Health Week.

“Whether you are back playing football or in pre-season training, I’d encourage everyone to take the time to check in on your mates this week,” Hicks said.

“It would be great for clubs to play a role in raising awareness of mental health within their club and create a safe and inclusive environment for their players, coaches and volunteers.

“Clubs are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage with Talk2MeBro and participate in their Early Intervention Program.

“Resources are also available on the NNSWF website to support clubs in raising awareness.

“Don’t miss out on getting yourself and your club involved. Join us in creating a safe and supportive environment for players.”

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

WATCH WEBINAR HERE

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.