AFL X MOVEMBER'S AHEAD OF THE GAME
TALK MORE, PLAY BETTER
Ahead of the Game teaches players, parents, coaches, umpires and volunteers to understand mental health, build mental fitness, and strengthen resilience to deal with challenges in sport and life.
Why AOTG?:
- 75% of mental health disorders will have emerged before the age of 25. That’s why conversations about mental health and fitness earlier in life are important.
- Helping young people build the capability and skills to look after their own wellbeing, and support their mates when times are tough, is critical to lifelong mental resilience and mentally fit communities.
HOW TO SEEK HELP
Managing your own mental health is important at all stages of the mental health continuum.
Need help now? Call Lifeline 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114 or Call Crisis Help 000 or Your Local Hospital Emergency Department.
Our How to Seek Help Tool can help you navigate services.
- Our mental health changes over time in response to different stressors and experiences.
- We can all move up and down the mental health continuum.
- When should you reach out for help? The earlier the better.
- If you are experiencing mental ill-health, reach out for professional help. Our tool helps you know your options.
HOW DO I RESPOND TO A CRITICAL INCIDENT?
The Critical Incident Response Guide aims to assist clubs manage exposure to a critical incident.
Check out this page on ClubHelp for more information should you be faced with having to deal with a Critical Incident.
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.
HOW TO CHOOSE A MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR YOUR CLUB?
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.
PROMOTE A CULTURE OF SAFETY AND INCLUSION
Reducing risks to mental health involves Safeguarding Children and having a zero tolerance towards stigma, bullying, e-safety threats, racism, harassment and discrimination.
Check out the following sections of the ClubHelp website to access key AFL policy and industry best practice that contributes to mentally healthy football club environments.
Policies | Good Sports | Safeguarding Children | Inclusion | Gender Diversity
Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is the foundation of physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It takes a holistic view of health and recognises that connection to land, sea, culture and spirituality all influence wellbeing. Social, historical and political factors that contribute to racism also affect wellbeing.
