COINCIDING with the Western Border Football League second semi-final, headspace Mount Gambier will launch its new national campaign for young men at Vansittart Park tomorrow.
The headcoach campaign provides young men with access to tips and advice from high-profile athletes across different sporting codes about how to actively manage their mental health and wellbeing.
Promoting the message “minds need training too,” headcoach highlights the importance to young men of training their bodies and their minds.
headspace Mount Gambier youth reference group member Liam Fennell said headcoach was a vital campaign.
“It is so important that young men know there are things they can do to support their mental health,” he said.
“The headcoach campaign is about giving young men the practical skills and knowledge they need to be more proactive in supporting their mental health.”
One in seven young men aged between 16 and 24 experience depression or anxiety each year, yet only 13pc seek help.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for young men in Australia.
Young men often have a tough time recognising the importance of maintaining their mental health for a number of reasons, including traditional gender role stereotypes, inability to identify early warning signs and a reluctance to let anyone know they are struggling.
“While young men commonly understand the importance of maintaining their physical health, they do not place the same emphasis on maintaining their mental health and many simply don’t know where to start,” headspace chief executive Jason Trethowan said.
“At headspace, we are absolutely committed to ensuring all young men have the tools and confidence they need to be more proactive and open in managing their mental health and wellbeing.
“Simple tips like staying connected to others, building coping strategies, doing things you enjoy and sleeping well can all play a vital role in building resilience and maintaining a healthy headspace.”
headspace Mount Gambier will support the headcoach campaign through a range of local activities and initiatives.
headspace Mount Gambier centre manager Tasja Barelds said it was crucial young men felt safe and confident to seek help.
“We hope the headcoach campaign will empower all young men to feel as confident to talk about their mental health and wellbeing as they are about their physical health,” she said.
A headcoach information tent will be on site at Vansittart Park from 11am on Saturday.
