Information For Club Officials
Country footy tackles depression in beyondblue rounds
Saturday August 1 and August 8 “Don’t Wait – Talk to a Mate”
The beyondblue Rounds will be played on Saturday August 1 in the Goulburn Valley Football League and Saturday \
August 8 in the Picola and District Football Netball League. Umpires presiding over 14 games will wear beyondblue
T-shirts to raise awareness of depression and the Coach the Coach Program.
At the games, volunteers at the gates will hand out information encouraging people to look out for each other and
offer support if someone is having a rough time. Along with wristbands and interactive ‘flipper’ cards bearing the
beyondblue and Youth beyondblue website addresses, there will be information on how to recognise the signs
and symptoms of depression and anxiety and where to get help. Approximately 50 football coaches, trainers,
board members and netballers from within the GVFL have completed ’Mental Health First Aid’ so that they can
recognise the signs of mental illness, approach players who may be having a tough time and encourage them to seek
help. Coach the Coach has continued to support Country Football Netball Leagues and is a joint initiative of
FamilyCare, and beyondblue: The Coach the Coach program has be expanded to include the Heathcoat, Kyabram
and District, Murray, Picola and is being implemented currently in the he Ovens and King and Benalla and District
Country Football Netball Leagues this year and continues to expand throughout the VCFL.
beyondblue Chairman The Hon. Jeff Kennett said: “The Coach the Coach program and beyondblue Rounds are a
fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of depression at country footy games where the community gets together.
“People should know that even very fit athletes and tough country men can experience depression – and to ask for help
is not a sign of weakness. The sooner you get the right treatment, the sooner you’re on the road to recovery and kicking
goals.” CEO of beyondblue Leonie Young added: “We are pleased to partner with community groups and sporting
organisations to let people know that effective treatments are available for depression and anxiety.
More than one million Australians currently experience depression, so if it’s not you, the chances are that someone you
know is affected.” Acting CEO of FamilyCare Angela Armstrong-Wright said: “Through the cooperation and
involvement of sporting clubs, Coach the Coach has been able to increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding
issues of mental health, particularly within rural and remote Victorian communities who often have limited access or
understanding of available support services.” Read more about Coach the Coach at www.coachthecoach.net.au
or for information on depression, anxiety and related drug and alcohol problems,
visit www.beyondblue.org.au or www.youthbeyondblue.com or call the beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636 (local call).
Last Modified on 10/06/2010 12:58
