Melbourne Touch6s, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Beyond Blue, the national depression and anxiety initiative. This collaboration aims to raise awareness about mental health and provide support to players, coaches, and the wider touch football community.
Melbourne Touch6s is dedicating the Melbourne “Over 40s” category Champions Trophy to the memory of Thila Gunaratne, a former player who tragically lost his battle with depression in 2022. The “Thila Gunaratne Memorial Trophy” serves as a poignant reminder of the invisible struggles individuals face and the importance of seeking support.
The partnership will see Beyond Blue resources integrated into Melbourne Touch6s events, including tournaments, training sessions, and online platforms. This includes:
Educational workshops: Beyond Blue experts will deliver workshops on mental health topics such as identifying signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, coping mechanisms, and seeking help.
Information stalls: Information stalls at Melbourne Touch6s events will provide brochures, fact sheets, and access to Beyond Blue’s online resources.
Social media campaign: A joint social media campaign will raise awareness about mental health and encourage people to reach out for help if they need it.
Player support: Trained Beyond Blue support workers will be available at major Melbourne Touch6s events to provide confidential support to players and their families.
The Melbourne Touch6s and Beyond Blue partnership is a significant step forward in promoting mental health awareness and support in the sporting community. By working together, they hope to create a more open and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable talking about mental health and seeking help if they need it.