Footy Clubs to tackle mental health head on

SANFL and football clubs across the State will get behind the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation’s community round this weekend to help raise awareness about the need for vital mental health research.

The Breakthrough Community Round will see many footy clubs join Breakthrough in raising money for research, as well as to start the mental health conversation in their club through mental health awareness sessions and talks to help support players, volunteers and officials and the wider community.

Players and umpires also will wear purple and blue arm bands in matches this weekend as part of raising the awareness about addressing mental health.

Breakthrough Executive Director John Mannion said sporting clubs have a huge impact in their communities by being trusted voices and can help drive the message about mental health awareness.

“The Breakthrough Community Round is an important vehicle to drive the mental health conversation within your club – to stop and make it safe to talk about our mental health and wellbeing and put our hands up and say it’s okay not to be okay,” Mr Mannion said.

“Breakthrough is Australia’s only research foundation for mental health…we want to change the mental health statistics – one in five people are struggling with their mental health issues at this very moment and we lose nine Australians every day to suicide.”

Over the past few years, Breakthrough has raised more than $100,000 through the Breakthrough Community Round thanks to the incredible efforts of clubs right across South Australia.

Clubs who raise $500 for Breakthrough community round this year also receive two free places in a Breakthrough mental health first aid course which equips participants with the skills and knowledge to be able to handle mental health conversations and support those going through difficult times.

For more information and to donate head to www.breakthroughwintercommunityround.org.au