Premiership Bulldog and mental health advocate Tom Boyd has been announced as the newest Western Bulldogs Community Foundation ambassador.
Boyd has previously been involved with the Sons of the West men’s health and wellbeing program, sharing his story of resilience and personal mental health challenges with participants, and also appeared as a panellist at the WB Community Foundation’s Mental Health Week event last year.
His official role as an ambassador will involve championing important men’s health messages while raising awareness about the lifechanging work of the Foundation.
“To be able to join as an ambassador to promote the wonderful work that the Community Foundation do is something I’m thrilled to be a part of,” Boyd said.
“One of the things I’ve always struggled with, since finishing footy, is trying to find that home base. I’ve done that through some of my business exploits, but still want to find that affinity with a group of people that one, are on the same wavelength; two, share a common passion for the Bulldogs; and three, are in a place that I actually believe are making a difference.
“Everyone who turns up to Sons of the West is there for the right reasons – they either want to get healthier and happier themselves, or want to help someone close to them. For me, to be able to connect with the people of the western suburbs – which I have such a strong history with – is a fantastic part of the program.
“To be continually able to spread messages surrounding positive mental health, and looking after yourself and the people around you is something I’ve always enjoyed, so now I just get to do that in a different format with the people that I care about.”
No stranger to the Western Bulldogs, Boyd played a starring role in the 2016 Grand Final before retiring from football midway through the 2019 season, citing the physical and emotional toll of the game behind his decision.
His recently-published memoir Nowhere to Hide, is a revealing and candid account of his time in the AFL system and struggle with mental health.
Registrations for the Sons of the West program are open now. Find your local program here.
