The Swans and Dookie United Mental Health Awareness game at Avenel is in association with Outside The Locker Room, a program for players involved in sporting clubs to help focus on education and support in relation to their daily challenges.
Former Avenel footballer Brett Henderson and Hawthorn premiership player Rick Ladson will speak about the program and the importance of mental health at a lunch at 12.30pm.
Players, families and the wider community are encouraged to head along to the Mental Health Awareness game which will feature appearances from the OTLR welfare team.
The welfare team will offer on the spot support, information about services as well as the program.
There will also be kids’ activities and raffle prizes to help raise funds for an important cause.
Club participants will have the opportunity to attend a mental health workshop.
Avenel coach Kasey Duncan said he first got in contact with OTLR a few months ago and believed it’s a great opportunity for the community.
‘‘I linked up with them a few months ago and I thought it would be a great initiative and it’s helping raise awareness for an important cause,’’ Duncan said.
‘‘Obviously suicide is one of the leading causes of deaths in young males and I think mental health awareness is something we should all get behind and support.’’
On the field, the Swans will be hoping they can continue their winning ways against United, coming off a 15-point win against Lancaster.
Dookie came out firing against Tallygaroopna last weekend, kicking the first two goals of the game, but was held goalless after quarter-time and will be out to prove that performance was a case of first-round blues.
If you or someone you know need help or information, phone Lifeline on 131114, or beyondblue on 1300224636.
