Sporting clubs funded to tackle mental health challenges
Funding will be given to 35 community groups, including 13 sporting clubs, for mental health first aid and suicide prevention training in 2025.
Over 1500 South Australians will be upskilled in mental health first aid next year, funded through the state government’s Suicide Prevention Community Grants program.
It’s the most recipients on record for a round of Suicide Prevention Community Grants since the program began in 2015.
The funding will benefit about 13,500 South Australians from priority populations and reach men who are traditionally hard to reach by training up people in their local clubs to recognise signs of distress and offer support to those in need.
More than $185,000 is being given to clubs and community groups this funding round, spread across Adelaide and regional South Australia including Streaky Bay, Port MacDonnell, Berri, Milang, Coober Pedy and Tailem Bend.
According to Wellbeing SA, suicide is the leading cause of death for South Australians aged 15-44 and SA Health estimates one in five South Australians deals with mental health experiences each year.
The Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention Nadia Clancy said prevention programs that provide access to mental health resources “can be the lifeline someone desperately needs”.
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“By prioritising suicide prevention, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations when people need them, wherever they are,” she said.
“We want to have empowered communities across South Australia, who can help their neighbour, teammate, or friend when they’re struggling, or know where to get them the support they need.”
The Goodwood Saints Football Club, Metro United Women’s Football Club, Southern Tigers Basketball Association and Mt Barker United Soccer Club are some of the sporting clubs receiving grant funding.
The Goodwood Saints will use $3500 to provide 50 members with Teen Mental Health First Aid training to benefit a further 150 people in their community.
The Glenelg District Cricket Club will provide 180 members with Mental Fitness at Work training, benefitting a further 250 people. This picture: Glenelg District Cricket Club.
Port MacDonnell & District Bowling Club will use $4500 for 16 members to undertake Mental Health Awareness training, benefiting a further 100 people.
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Other recipients include suicide prevention networks, including Riverland Community Suicide Prevention Network which will receive $6000 to provide CORES Suicide Prevention Training to 70 members, expected to benefit 200 more people.
The peak body for the LGBTQIA+ sector in our state, South Australian Rainbow Advocacy Alliance (SARAA) is another grant recipient, receiving $6000 to provide 30 members ASIST and Youth Mental Health First Aid training to benefit a further 100 South Australians.
SARAA told InDaily earlier this month that safety concerns in their LGBTQIA+ community are rising and they welcome opportunities to close funding gaps, as LGBTQIA+ organisations receive 5 cents out of every $100 received by Australian charities.
Preventative Health SA Chief Executive Marina Bowshall said “investing in suicide prevention programs saves lives and strengthens communities”.
“We all have a role in preventing suicide, and the Suicide Prevention Grants will support local sports clubs and organisations to raise awareness and have conversations around mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
“It is important to support community-led projects to strengthen the mental wellbeing of South Australians and reduce suicide risk.
“Together we can build a culture that prioritises mental health and actively works to prevent suicide.”
The next round of grants will open in early 2025.
For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the SA Mental Health Triage Service on 13 14 65.
For support visit Beyond Blue or call 1300 22 4636.
