Junior football and netball teams from across the western suburbs are joining forces to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Thirty-three under-16s teams from the Western Region Football League and under-15 netball teams from the Werribee Netball Association have signed up to be part of a new program called Read The Play.
The program is aimed at raising awareness about mental illness and provide players with information on where to get help. It has been running in Geelong for about nine years.
Program committee chairman Luke Wenlock said he inquired about expanding the program to Wyndham after a player in his son’s basketball team committed suicide.
“We need to let players know that there are resources available, such as Headspace,” he said.
The program will be launched on Wednesday, May 27, at the Wyndham Vale Football Club from 6pm.
Clubs will then be contacted three to four times a year to discuss any issues and provide support to players.
Mr Wenlock said the sports community had thrown its support behind the program, while Werribee’s Bendigo Bank branch is funding the first year.
“There has been awesome support,” he said.
