Meli and Read the Play will partner with the AFL and Movember Ahead of the Game (AOTG) to deliver a mental health fitness program through all four Barwon region football leagues.
The AOTG program aims to educate young players and umpires aged 12-18 years and their support networks of parents, coaches and club volunteers on the importance of mental health.
Meli, a not-for-profit community services organisation formed by the merger of Bethany and Barwon Child, Youth and Family (BCYF) earlier this year, and Geelong-based mental health program Read the Play have already begun delivering the first sessions of AOTG.
Meli chief executive Grant Boyd said he was thrilled to work with Read the Play and the AFL to deliver the AOTG program.
“Our experience shows us that the best way to support community wellbeing is by being proactive and taking a preventative and early engagement approach,” Mr Boyd said.
“This initiative will help provide young people with the tools they need to deal with life’s challenges, and the confidence they need to support their friends and family.”
Read the Play general manager Michelle Gerdtz echoed Mr Boyd’s comments, saying the partnership was an exciting opportunity.
“We have been working with AFL Barwon clubs for 17 years to deliver mental health education to 14-16 year-olds and the mental health and wellbeing of young people in our region is our constant focus,” she said.
“This partnership will assist our local clubs in playing an ongoing proactive role in supporting the mental health of young community members.”
