The Western Bulldogs are teaming up with Lifeline Australia and the AFL to launch the We're All Mental Health Supporters campaign during the week of its Round 23 match against Port Adelaide.
The Bulldogs and Lifeline formed an official partnership in May this year, with the Club supporting the Push-Up Challenge, an initiative designed to raise funds and shine a light on suicide prevention.
The We're All Mental Health Supporters campaign calls on everyone – no matter your allegiance – to join together to confront the crucial issue of mental health in our society.
Lifeline provides all Australians with access to crisis support and suicide prevention services 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
A huge spike in call volume is challenging Lifeline’s mental health front-line workers day-in-day-out, and everyone’s support is needed to help Lifeline answer these calls for help.
With a $39 donation, you can help fund a Lifeline crisis supporter to assist people in need.
Lifeline has also created a Supporters’ Care Kit, which is available to download for anyone needing help or guidance on managing difficult conversations about mental distress.
"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,” said Lifeline Australia CEO Colin Seery.
"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.
"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."
Bulldogs forward Mitch Hannan this week spoke about the mental health battles he has faced during his career, which led to the establishment of clothing brand Mendl, which aims to open up the narrative about Mental Health.
Mendl will donate proceeds of the sale of their garments this month to Lifeline Australia.
“Mental health is a critical issue across the entire AFL industry as it is society. We all share the same commitment to ensuring our people’s wellbeing is an absolute priority,” said Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains.
“At the Bulldogs, we’re acutely aware of the importance of providing a safe and welcoming environment to allow our people to feel comfortable to have conversations if they’re struggling with their mental health.
“We’re proud to work closely with Lifeline Australia and the AFL to raise more awareness about this issue, to help fundraise so Lifeline can continue their life-changing work, and to offer education and awareness to our members and fans about mental health.
“Lifeline does an amazing job in providing crisis support services to Australians. We want to help them continue their incredible work, so they can assist people who need them the most.”
AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said: “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.
“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.”
For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.
To donate to Lifeline, visit the website or call 1800 800 768.
To download the Supporters’ Care Kit, click here
