Black Dog Institute has partnered with the AFL’s Sydney Swans to deliver free mental health training to high schools across Australia, which will focus on improving the mental health literacy and resilience of students.
This announcement marks the beginning of a larger collaboration between the two organisations.
The partnership will see a series of evidence-based Black Dog Institute Mental Fitness webinars delivered to high schools nationally, with the aim of helping young people improve their wellbeing and coping skills.
A series of Mental Fitness presentations will also be rolled out to eligible high schools across Sydney, with these schools given the opportunity to sign up for Black Dog Institute’s BITE BACK Challenge. Prizes include Sydney Swans home-game tickets and signed guernseys.
At eligible Sydney schools, the presentations will be delivered by Black Dog presenters and feature some of the Swans’ players, including Heath Grundy, Sam Naismith, Jordan Dawson and Robbie Fox.
“We’re really excited to be partnering with the Sydney Swans to expand delivery of our mental health training to Australian high school students, at a city, state and national level,” said Karen Elliff, Black Dog Institute’s Director of Fundraising and Development.
“Teaching kids how to build positive mental health skills is so important, and being able to do this with the help of an iconic sporting club like the Sydney Swans helps us reach, connect and resonate with our youth on a whole new level.”
Sydney Swans Head of Customer and Community, Natalie Fagg, said the partnership would bring sport and the community together to teach meaningful life skills.
“For AFL footballers, building resilience and nurturing mental health is just as important as maintaining physical health,” she said. “We believe it’s really important to strike a balance for wellbeing and performance.
“Our players will have invaluable experiences they can share with students, and we’re sure they will also learn a lot from the students along the way.
Ms Fagg said the Sydney Swans’ viewed its partnership with Black Dog Institute as one that could make a real difference to young people and added that the team was looking forward to working together.
Following the roll out of this mental health training in schools, several other initiatives are set to be revealed as part of this collaboration.
The first Black Dog Institute x Sydney Swans Mental Fitness webinar will take place on Tuesday 18 June. To register your school’s interest, please click here.
For schools in the Sydney Swans catchment area interested in registering for a Black Dog Institute x Sydney Swans Mental Fitness presentation, please click here.
