WA Football’s One Life RoundThursday, April 30, 2015 - 2:13 PM

Football will be the ideal vehicle to reduce the stigma associated with discussions around suicide when One Life Round takes place on May 9 and 10 this year in a partnership between the West Australian Football Commission and One Life.

Every year suicide accounts for 32% of deaths among males aged 15-24.  It’s not just the men either, there has been a recent spike in suicide among young females. 

About 45% of people will also struggle with some sort of mental illness throughout their lifetime.  As a key community stakeholder, football is in a position to change this.

One Life Round will promote the message – ‘It’s okay to talk ’ 

One Life Round activities will be encouraged at all football games in WA from Year 8 and above on the weekend of May 9 and 10. Blue armbands will be provided by the WAFC to raise awareness among players, coaches and officials about mental health, and encourage discussion about the meaning of the arm bands on the day. 

Some other initiatives associated with One Life Round will include:

• A script provided to clubs to facilitate discussions around suicide   
• The video above featuring Michael Walters – One Life Ambassador – to provide background about mental health and how to get help.  This will be shown to all players (Year 8 and above), coaches and volunteers at clubs prior to games. 
• Training of Live Life Ambassadors to equip them with the knowledge to recognize if someone is showing signs of mental health issues, how to properly approach them, along with where to direct them for best help available.

The training of an Ambassador contributes to clubs achieving Silver and Gold Status in the Swisse Quality Club Program.

Live Life Ambassador training sessions will be held at:

• Medibank Stadium, Leederville on May 4 from 6-8pm
• HBF Arena, Joondalup on May 25 from 6-8pm
• Anniversary Park, Rockingham on June 15 from 6-8pm

To attend a session please CLICK HERE

For more information contact Josh Bowler at the WAFC on jbowler@wafc.com.au or (08)9381 5599

Over the past three years, the WAFC’s partnership with One Life has also included:

• A Youth Leadership Program to ensure football leaders have an understanding of youth suicide and suicidal behaviour.
• Equipping coaches with the knowledge to recommend help for players if required.
• Promotion of suicide education and prevention to the football fraternity at a range of high-profile and community based events.
• A suicide education and prevention presentation to WAFC staff and associated groups including Executives and Commissioners.

It’s okay to talk. Call Lifeline 13 11 14