Here at Willetton Basketball Association, we are invested in doing what we can to support the mental health and wellness of our athletes, staff, members and wider community. The NBL1 Mental Health Round is a great opportunity to create awareness, engage in conversation, and raise much needed funds for Lifeline who are the partners of this round.
Everyone has seen hard times in their life, particularly in the past 2 years. As a result of these challenging times, many are experiencing an increased mental load, and heightened anxiety. We want to ensure that we are holding mental wellness in the same regard as we do our physical wellness. Mental struggles should be able to be discussed as frequently as an injury would be.
Having these discussions, and reaching out for help when you need it is not an admission of weakness. In fact, it is actually a great sign of strength, ownership and responsibility. At Willetton, we want to create a safe inclusive and welcoming space where our members, community and participants feel comfortable and supported enough to speak out, or ask for help when they need it.
Exercise and physical movement is a major tool in managing and maintaining mental wellness. While we value that we have the opportunity to facilitate this physical activity and exercise for our members, we are aware that our responsibility to the mental health of our community extends beyond that. We commit to maintaining the conversations beyond this week, as well as providing our community with resources and information to support their ongoing mental journey.
Mental health journeys are ongoing, and are not necessarily linear in their progress. Our community will require different forms of help at different times. Below are some free resources from Willetton Basketball Association, as well as a list of different support services that are available to our community.
Throughout this week we will be sharing a range of content in hopes it will; spark conversation, give you an insight into some mental health journeys from members of our club, and provide the different ways you can assist in donating to the cause.
Free Downloadable Resources and Activities for Adults, Parents and Children.
A range of free resources including self care bingo for adults, tips for parents in supporting their child’s mental health, and a range of engaging activities to get kids involved in their mental wellness and self care are available for download below. If you don’t have access to a printer, there will be copies of these resources available at the bulletin board located in the foyer of the stadium.
Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Affirmations & Word Search with Buckets
Kids Self Care Colouring Activity
Mental Health Support Services Available
PHONE SUPPORT
Lifeline – 13 11 14. Provides 24/7 Crisis support.
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78. Available 24/7.
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 463 and Youth Services available here
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467. Available 24.7 if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts.
EHeadspace – 1800 650 890. Available for ages 12-25 , 9am – 1am AEST.
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800. Available for ages 5-25.
Friendline – 1800 424 287. Available 7 days a weeek
WEBSITE & APP SUPPORT
Lifeline Website – A range of support services, and stories that you can relate to.
Raising Healthy Minds App – Available for download via the App Store & Google Play. Caters to all ages and family dynamics.
A Stitch in Time – Educational programs run in schools and sporting organisations. Blogs and resources about athletes and how they manage their health.
Act, Belong, Commit – Tips and support on mental wellness, and programs in your area that can help.
Helping Minds – Support for you or others in your life who may be suffering.
Headspace – Youth Mental Health Support
Reach Out – Assisting with starting a conversation about mental health.
IN-PERSON SERVICES
Manning Men’s Shed – 3/110-114 Bannister Road, Canningvale.
A welcoming and safe environment to learn skills, and have a yarn with other men from all walks of life.
Willetton Youth Centre – 58 Burrendah Boulevard, Willetton.
A mix of structured and unstructured activities including TV, pool tables, board games and table tennis. Dedicated studio with DJ and recording equipment. Drop in activities, and booked studio sessions.
Deep Blue Psychology – Unit 6/40-46 Rostrata Ave, Willetton.
Psychology support for children and adults. Support available through tele-health sessions, as well as face to face sessions.
Donating to Lifeline
If you would like to make a donation to Lifeline, you can text NBL1 to 0488 822 250. If you would like to purchase a pair of orange socks with the proceeds going to Lifeline, you can do so by clicking here.