The AFL has today announced Lifeline Australia as an official charity partner. In partnership with Lifeline, the AFL is part of the conversation that talks openly about mental health and reduces the stigma associated with mental illness. 

 AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said that while one in five Australians experience a mental health issue in any given year, the impacts of mental health are felt by everyone in the community.  

“The mental health and wellbeing of everyone involved in our game is a growing focus for us, and we are proud to partner with Lifeline to encourage Australians, especially young Australians, to stay connected and ask for help if they’re struggling,” Mr McLachlan said.

“Mental health is an issue affecting all workplaces and families. We shouldn’t shy away from it and I encourage anyone who needs support to reach out.

“We are continuing to work as an industry to ensure we have the best processes and mental healthcare in place for our players, coaches and umpires in our elite competition and there is much work to be done.

“Through the leadership of Dr Kate Hall and Dr Ranjit Menon, we are also working on wellbeing initiatives for players and umpires in our pathway programs, administrators across the AFL and AFL clubs, and participants and volunteers at the community level. This isn’t just essential for our game, it’s essential to enhance the wellbeing of the wider community.

“We look forward to supporting Lifeline in the admirable work they do to support Australians in crisis with fundraising, as we do with our other major charity partners, the Children’s Cancer Foundation and FightMND.”

Lifeline Australia Chief Executive Officer Colin Seery said:

“We are delighted to partner with the AFL. It’s encouraging to see important community organisations such as the AFL elevate mental health by recognising it as an essential aspect in the lives of their athletes and the broader community.

“At Lifeline, we believe it will take a whole of community approach to drive down the rate of suicide in Australia. The AFL’s decision to take a holistic approach to the integration of mental health initiatives and awareness programs is a positive step in the right direction.

The AFL’s decision to truly commit to the outcomes of the partnership by encompassing Club, community engagement, education and importantly fundraising across the Lifeline network will make this partnership a game changer.  With the AFL’s support we will be able to both increase the number of volunteers we can recruit and train each year and extend Lifeline services, including new channels like text, so that we can answer every call for help.”

AFL Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing Dr Kate Hall said it was an important partnership for the AFL.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank every Lifeline volunteer who has responded with compassion and respect to anyone who has been in a personal crisis and helped that person and their family through a time of acute distress. Lifeline provides an important support system for Australians living with mental health issues and people affected by significant life stressors, that may leave them feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. Lifeline is available to listen and help when other services are not,” Dr Hall said.

“Our football communities are impacted by mental health and suicide, and the AFL is part of this critical societal issue. Responding to mental health issues and doing more to prevent the onset of mental health issues in young Australians is everyone’s responsibility.

“Through our support of Lifeline, we want to reduce the stigma of mental health issues and promote mental health and wellbeing for football communities. The AFL, together with the AFLPA, has a responsibility to transform the management of mental health and wellbeing across the whole industry, and to move towards best practice in mental health prevention and early intervention.” 

About Lifeline:  

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Somewhere in Australia there is a new call to Lifeline every minute. People call Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis line 13 11 14 about:

·         Suicidal thoughts or attempts
·         Personal crisis
·         Anxiety
·         Depression
·         Loneliness
·         Abuse and trauma
·         Stresses from work, family or society
·         Self-help information for friends and family

Lifeline is a national charity and relies on community support. Donate online now or call 1800 800 768. 
 
For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.