- Think Mental Health football rounds supporting mental health and wellbeing
- Reducing stigma through trusted local football clubs
- $1.5 million in Healthway funding helps WA Football and Country Football WA
This June, the Cook Labor Government is recognising Think Mental Health Month, with Western Australia’s football community leading the charge on mental health and wellbeing across the State.
Delivered in partnership with the Mental Health Commission, Healthway, WA Football, and Country Football WA, the initiative empowers football clubs, leagues, and communities to strengthen mental health and wellbeing and increase access to information, education, and training for players and communities.
Building on the success of previous Think Mental Health Rounds, this year marks the first time the Think Mental Health public education campaign will be celebrated across the entire month of June, creating more opportunities to encourage early conversations, reduce stigma, and support help-seeking behaviours.
Throughout the month, clubs and leagues have been sharing campaign messaging and hosting activities, including Talk to a Mate!! barbeques and mental health workshops, creating safe and inclusive environments for connection and conversation.
Think Mental Health Rounds will also return, with competitions running across the State, including metropolitan competitions taking place this weekend on the 27 and 28 June.
This initiative is one of several strategies supported by more than $1.5 million in Healthway funding to WA Football and Country Football WA to strengthen mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the football community, including building clubs’ capacity to respond to mental health issues.
Healthway is a State Government agency solely dedicated to health promotion. For more information, visit www.healthway.wa.gov.au .
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
“Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, but people can find it difficult to speak openly about the challenges they face.
“Football clubs are the heart of our communities, providing safe, trusted spaces where people can start conversations, support each other and connect with help.
“The Think Mental Health Rounds use the power of football to raise awareness of mental health across WA.”
As stated by Health and Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“We know it can be difficult for people to speak openly about mental health, especially during challenging times. Football clubs serve as powerful platforms to encourage their players, staff, members, and fans to prioritise their mental health and check in on one another.
“The Think Mental Health Month and dedicated football rounds creates important opportunities to start those conversations and help build ongoing awareness and support across the year.”
