Mental Health and Wellbeing

Need help now? Call Lifeline 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, call Crisis Help 000, or go to your local Hospital Emergency Department.

FOOTBALL MENTAL FITNESS CHARTER

Football clubs can play a key role in enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of their club members. Staying mentally fit in life requires knowledge and skills about how to protect and promote wellbeing. 

How to choose a mental health program

Clubs play a role in being healthy places for their members and are an important part of mentally fit communities.

To help clubs choose a safe and effective mental health program the AFL and Orygen have produced a rapid evidence guide. This Guide is for sporting clubs who want to choose an education or  wellbeing program that leads to mental health benefits of players and participants.

HOW DO I RESPOND TO A SUICIDE?

In communities that have been impacted by suicide, football clubs are often part of the community response.

This resource aims to help Clubs and Club Leaders provide guidance, support to their members, and minimise the risks of suicide exposure.

  • Suicide is a complex public health issue, and there is no one reason why someone may attempt suicide.
  • This resource aims to help Clubs and Club leaders provide guidance and support to their members and minimise the risks of suicide exposure in the Club community.
  • The Guide outlines clear and practical steps in responding to a suicide or suicide attempt
  • The Guide includes response plans, checklists, and examples of communication and support resources

SAFE STORYTELLING

headspace have developed a Safe Storytelling guide with the AFL to help the football industry communicate sensitively about mental health

Safe storytelling is an approach to communicating about mental health that prioritises safety of the person sharing their story, safety of people hearing their story and reducing stigma about mental health.

This guide is for media professionals in AFL football clubs, communication teams, state league football administrators and anyone working with or supporting players who would like to share the story of their mental health journey and recovery.

Social, Emotional and Cultural Wellbeing

The Social Emotional and Cultural Wellbeing Framework for the AFL Industry was developed to guide all Club and Industry members on the importance of social emotional and cultural wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and staff.