AFL Canberra looks to shatter mental health stigma, again!

Not all wounds are visible, and this weekend AFL Canberra clubs come together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health during the league’s second annual R U OK? Round.

The R U OK? Round will occur on August 3-4 and will be played by all leagues in the ACT and NSW region.

AFL NSW/ACT and R U OK? have combined in an exciting partnership to highlight the need to support and connect with anyone struggling with their mental health.

R U OK? want to create a world where we are all connected and are protected from suicide by encouraging people to reach out and ask, “Are you OK?”.

R U OK? works with a number of organisations that are looking to create stronger connections to start conversations and prevent suicide.

AFL Canberra are leading the initiative, with all Junior Clubs receiving an RUOK? Club Pack, inclusive of wrist bands and yellow tape. Senior, Community and Regional Clubs also received an RUOK? Club Pack, inclusive of bibs and drink Bottles for water runners to wear during the round, as well as yellow tape for players, coaches and support staff to wear.

Let’s take a look around the grounds to see how our clubs are supporting the R U OK? Round.

The Southern Cats and Murrumbateman Eagles have combined to take a stand against mental health, releasing a short video on Facebook, stating, “enough is enough, it’s time to talk”.

This weekend the Batemans Bay Seahawks will play host to the ADFA Rams, holding a cake stall, a face painting stall as well as plenty of yellow to raise awareness about mental health.

Ainslie have also played their role in support of R U OK? Round with First Grade Women’s captain Zoe Lewis highlighting the significant role football plays in her mental health.

Ainslie’s health and wellbeing coach Tim Guthrie also spoke about the importance of starting conversations and changing the stigma around mental health.

There is no limit as to how clubs can get involved with R U OK? Round and we encourage everyone to get around the round and prepare for this weekend.

For more information on R U OK? visit ruok.org.au.

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