Be kind to your mind, so you can be on the ball
News Story from the Portland Observer, Friday July 19 2024
CLUB coaches, support staff and anyone interested are encouraged to attend youth mental health first aid training to support their young players.
Barriers to asking for help, and low levels of mental health literacy can mean that individuals struggling with mental health challenges do not get the support or help they need at the earliest possible stage. That is why South West District Football Netball League have come on board as a friend of Live4Life Glenelg and Live4Life Southern Grampians.
Acting president Jason Sealey said mental health and wellbeing through sport, plays a key part to a young person's growth and development. When the opportunity presented itself to kick some goals with local Live4Life communities the league executive did not hesitate to step up to the mark and grab the opportunity with both hands.
The league is encouraging local clubs to send coaches, support staff, and interested others to the Heywood training on Monday nights during August.
"League meetings are held in Heywood, so when we heard the training was also being delivered on Monday nights 5, 12, 19 and 26 during August from 6pm to 9.30pm in Heywood it was another reason to support the initiative," Mr Sealey said.
The training can cost in excess of $200 to $300 per head, but as a Live4Life Glenelg community, the training is delivered by local accredited instructors and is offered at the low cost of $33.08.
Live4Life Glenelg partnership officer, Lynda Smith and Life4Life Southern Grampians and coordinator Amy Lewis, who are both associated with clubs within the league, were thrilled when the league decided to come onboard.
Youth Mental Health First Aid equips sports coaches, support staff and others with the knowledge and skills to detect common mental health issues in young people aged 12 to 25.
A core part of the Live4Life program, is the crew component - young local champions within secondary colleges across Glenelg and Southern Grampians (and football netball clubs) work to reduce mental health stigma within community and the school environment.
The education program is a practical, skills- based early intervention education program focusing on improving mental health literacy.
The Accredited 14-hour training facilitated by Tiana Richardson, who is also involved in the league, has a vast range of expertise and local community knowledge she can draw on to create a meaningful and inclusive experience for participants.
Bookings are now being taken online via the Live4Life Glenelg website, visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/live4life- glenelg-32585054815