Right now, one in five Australians has a mental health issue, and more people between 15-44 years are dying from suicide than any other cause.
The Hawks have teamed up with local Mental Health and Wellbeing group - THRiVE Streaky Bay and Districts for the event. Chairperson of THRiVE, Suzie Kenny said “football and netball clubs have an important role to play in helping communities and the wider population to help drive change and stop the devastating effects of mental illness”.
During the day, at approximately 2.20pm the winner of the Mid West Breakthrough Round, sponsored by Radio 5CC and Mentally Fit EP, Mrs Nyssa Bell will be presented her award as a prominent Mental Health ambassador for her club and league.
Then on the Saturday evening, at approximately 8.30pm, guest speaker Hans von Ohle will share his story and powerful message of a lived experience with suicide. Plus come along to see some wonderful photos and statements about how some of our club people keep mentally fit - put together on a slideshow presentation on the night. There will be collection tins around the ground and in the club with all proceeds going towards mental health research.
Breakthrough Executive Director John Mannion applauded the West Coast Hawks for its commitment to supporting the foundation’s mission to create a life free from mental illness.
“Mental illness is becoming the biggest health challenge of our lifetime and we need new research and new approaches to beat it,” John said.
“Football clubs are trusted voices in their communities and we’re grateful for the West Coast Hawks passion to join with us in supporting research into mental health which will get us closer to answering many of the unknowns.”
As part of Breakthrough’s partnership with the SANFL, funds raised by the Hawks and other clubs participating in Breakthrough Round will directly fund Mental Health First Aid Programs across leagues and clubs, as well as targeted research to measure the impact of this work in football communities.
The SA-based Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation is Australia’s only dedicated mental health research foundation.
For more information visit: breakthroughfoundation.org.au