WA Country Football League (WAFCL) is excited to launch the WA Footy Wellbeing Hub, an initiative aimed at promoting mental health and wellbeing among football players and fans across Western Australia.

This initiative is derived from the Department of Justice’s Criminal Confiscation Grants Program and WACFL’s renewed partnership with Healthway for the Think Mental Health program in 2022.
Healthway Acting CEO Julia Knapton said the Wellbeing Hub is the latest step forward in its partnership with the WA Country Football League. 

“Mental health is a complex issue that touches so many in WA and we are proud to work with the league in shaping environments conducive to good mental health,” Ms Knapton said. 

“Football clubs are pillars in our communities for social inclusion and connectedness, and through the power of this wellbeing hub, we can boost knowledge and strategies for staying mentally healthy.”

The Think Mental Health program is a community-based mental health promotion initiative that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing through a range of activities. The program is designed to support communities, workplaces, and individuals to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Under the renewed partnership, the WACFL Community Development Program has been developed to combine all WACFL mental health partnerships and programs through a four-phase approach. The program is designed to promote positive mental health and wellbeing among football players, coaches, and their families, as well as fans and supporters of the sport.

The WA Footy Wellbeing Hub and the WACFL Community Development Program are part of a broader effort to promote mental health and wellbeing in Western Australia. By combining the efforts of various organisations and programs, these initiatives aim to make a positive impact on the mental health of individuals and communities across the state.

Tom Bottrell, Executive Manager Country Football said the WA Footy Wellbeing Hub will ensure that individuals and communities have access to information and empower them to access the support they need in a timely manner.

“The wellbeing hub is designed to be a one-stop-shop to better support volunteers and communities,” Bottrell said.

“It’s wonderful to see a growing number of community football clubs engaging in mental health awareness activities and working to reduce the stigma around mental health.”

The partnership with Healthway assists football clubs in creating a safe and inclusive environment where mental health concerns can be acknowledged and tackled. Through this partnership, the clubs will have access to resources and tools to build their capacity to address mental health issues and create a supportive community for everyone involved.

The WA Footy Wellbeing Hub will serve as a valuable resource for promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in the football community, ensuring everyone can access support and further learning opportunities through their digital devices. 

For more information visit The Wellbeing Hub.