MORE than 8500 netballers across the state will show their support for Netball WA’s Mental Health Awareness Round, when they take to the courts this weekend wearing blue armbands.
Netball WA is proud to support the World Health Organisation’s global ‘Depression: Let’s Talk’ campaign, supported locally by the West Australian Mental Health Commission.
By actively encouraging the netball community to speak openly about mental health issues, in particular depression, Netball WA hopes to foster more open and aware netball clubs and associations.
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READ NOWThe message will also be supported through the state’s premier netball competition, the West Australian Netball League, with matches on Saturday and Sunday at the State Netball Centre in Wembley.
In total, 910 teams have registered to participate in Mental Health Awareness Round.
General manager of community Netball Liz Booth said campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Round were crucial in reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health.
“It’s been fantastic to see such a significant number of clubs throw their support behind this dedicated round,” she said.
“Our game is based on a community culture, so it’s fantastic to see so many people put their hand up to be involved with Mental Health Awareness Round.”
Participating associations and clubs have received Mental Health Awareness Round packs from Netball WA, containing blue tape for armbands, as well as coach and spectator information sheets.
Players, coaches, umpires, officials and volunteers over the age of 13 are invited to wear the blue armband to show their support for the campaign across the week of 24-30 June.
For more information about Netball WA’s Mental Health Initiative, or for further resources, visit http://wa.netball.com.au/mentalhealthinitiative.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call the Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) on 1300 555 788 (all hours) or 1800 676 822 (rural free call).
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