Geelong Cats and GMHBA are joining forces to deliver a mental health project in five schools across the city.
Almost 2000 students from Geelong East Primary School, Lara Primary School, Newcomb Primary School, Western Heights Secondary College and Whittington Primary School will participate in the Resilience Project, a two-year program promoting the principles of GEM – gratitude, empathy and mindfulness – and emotional literacy.
GMHBA will contribute to the funding of the program, while Geelong Cats players will take a hands-on role in delivering the program.
At the launch event at Western Heights Secondary College on Tuesday (February 20) Cats player Georgie Prespakis said she was looking forward to being involved.
“I think it’s obviously a really great program, so important… to understand why you feel the way that you do and ways to go about it,” said Prespakis.
“Looking back at when I was in high school or primary school, being able to gain a better understanding of our emotions… is really awesome. So to be involved in a program like this is going to be great for those younger students.”
Veteran Geelong player Mitch Duncan said mental health was taken more seriously these days, and rightfully so.
“Hopefully this program can really help kids with their mental health and prepare them for the rigours of older life, but even what they’re dealing with now,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be a great addition to our community program and going forward I’m looking forward to getting out to the schools to implement it.”
GMHBA chief executive David Greig thanked the Cats players for their involvement in the project.
“As we approach the start of the season, I think it’s a testament to Geelong Football Club and the quality of people at the club that they’ve got people like Georgie and Mitch who are keen to commit their time to this partnership, the Resilience Project,” Mr Greig said.
“At this really busy time of year (they are) willing to take some time out of their schedule to spend with these five schools in the region to look after the mental health of young people in the region and to give back.”
