THE AFL, together with the Western Bulldogs, is pleased to announce it is partnering with Lifeline Australia to launch the We're All Mental Health Supporters campaign during the week of the Round 23 match between the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide to be played at Marvel Stadium on Friday, August 20.
AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan said the initiative calls on fans to support Lifeline and join together to support the mental health of their communities.
"The health and wellbeing of everyone in our game and the wider community remains paramount and we are proud to work together with Lifeline and the Western Bulldogs on this important initiative," Mr McLachlan said.
"Our mental health is as equally vital to our wellbeing as our physical health and it is not only important to look after and manage how you feel but to also check in regularly on those around you and close to you.
"We encourage supporters to donate to Lifeline and download the Supporters Care Pack which aims to arm football fans with the knowledge to look out for themselves and for one another. We may all support different teams, but when it comes to mental health, we’re all on the same team."
Head of mental health and wellbeing Dr Kate Hall has called on football fans to support the important work of Lifeline’s front-line volunteers.
"Lifeline does an amazing job supporting Australians when they need it most. Lifeline have received record breaking volumes of calls this month – and we want to help them continue their incredible work, so no one suffers in silence through the isolation and anxiety of the pandemic.
"We encourage all AFL supporters, through the We're All Mental Health Supporters campaign, to help fund a Lifeline crisis supporter to be there for those who need it most.
"We all have a responsibility to support and help each other when mental health challenges arise and the AFL Supporter’s Care Kits help football fans start a conversation with friends, team mates and family to help them at times of distress."
Lifeline Australia chief executive officer Colin Seery said:
"We are beyond thrilled to launch the We're All Mental Health Supporters campaign alongside our partners - the Western Bulldogs and AFL. The campaign highlights no matter what team you support, or who you are playing for - we are united when it comes to tackling mental health.
"We are appealing to fans, supporters and beyond through the We're All Mental Health Supporters campaign to show their support and help fund a Lifeline crisis supporter to be there for those who need it most. Through the partnership, we've also created a Supporter's Care Kit available to players, coaches and anyone who's in need of help or guidance on managing those difficult conversations about mental distress.
"This year, we as Australians continue to face challenges day-in-day-out as COVID-19 tries to take hold of our communities. Over the past few weeks, Lifeline has seen records broken for the highest volume of calls in our history as our mental health frontline workers continue to work tirelessly - to ensure that nobody in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone."
Lifeline provides all Australians with access to crisis support and suicide prevention services 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
With a $39 donation, supporters can help fund a Lifeline crisis supporter to assist people in need.
For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
To donate to Lifeline, visit fundraise.lifeline.org.au/afl-2021 or call 1800 800 768.
To download the Supporter’s Care Kit, click here.