COUNTRY FOOTBALL WA LAUNCHES THINK MENTAL HEALTH MONTH ACROSS REGIONAL WA

Country Football WA, together with Healthway, has launched Think Mental Health Month this month, encouraging football clubs, leagues and communities across regional Western Australia to prioritise mental wellbeing and the power of meaningful conversations.

Building on the success of previous Think Mental Health Rounds, 2026 marks the first time the initiative will extend across the entire month of June, providing greater opportunities to promote positive mental health messages throughout country football.

Clubs and leagues will be encouraged to share campaign messages and create opportunities for conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

Executive Manager Country Football, Facilities & Affiliates Brent Hedley said football clubs played a vital role in regional communities, “Football clubs are far more than places where people come to play a game.”

“The local club sits at the heart of community life in almost 300 WA regional towns. It’s where friendships are formed, support networks are built and people come together through both the good times and the challenging ones. That makes clubs incredibly important settings for conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Sometimes a simple check-in from a teammate, coach, volunteer or friend can make a genuine difference.”

“If this campaign encourages even one person to check in on a mate, start a conversation, or seek support they may not have otherwise sought, then it will have made a meaningful impact.”

Healthway CEO Colin Smith said Healthway was committed to working in partnership with Country Football to deliver mental health and wellbeing initiatives like Think Mental Health month. “Community sport offers a powerful platform to promote positive mental health messages and reach people where they already feel connected,” Mr Smith said.

“Think Mental Health Month reminds us that the trusted relationships people develop in clubs plays a big role in creating healthy and supportive communities and we all have a part to play in helping our mates.”

At the heart of this year’s campaign are three simple but important messages:

Before it gets too much, talk to a mate or someone
you care about.
Talking and listening are powerful.
Mental health issues can affect anyone. It may be difficult at first, but talking can help.

Think Mental Health Month will run throughout June, with dedicated Think Mental Health Round weekends taking place across country football competitions across 12^th – 14^th & 19^th – 21^st of June.

Country Football WA encourages all clubs, leagues, players, coaches, volunteers and supporters to get involved by helping spread the message that talking and listening are powerful and that support is available. Because before it gets too much, talking to a mate can make all the difference.

For support visit thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au.