AFLNT and headspace Darwin have collaborated to launch a pilot program of Wellbeing Champions within the eight men’s Premier League football clubs in the 2018/19 TIO NTFL season.
Wellbeing Champions will be club members who are able to support their teammates, volunteers and community members to have conversations around personal wellbeing.
They will be trained and fully supported by headspace Darwin with access to the allied health professional referral system.
The criteria to become a club wellbeing champion includes people who are:
• Over 25 years of age
• Passionate about well-being
• Able to attend the training in September
• Able to obtain an ochre card
• Willing to participate in media about the wellbeing champions
When successful, the wellbeing champions will be the first point of contact for people within their club to have conversations in regard to wellbeing and provide links to support services within the community to best support club players and support staff.
They will provide a safe contact for players, volunteers and community members to discuss their well-being, encourage help-seeking behaviours, be equipped to provide short presentations to their clubs on mental health and well-being, understand referral pathways for local allied health professionals and complete the necessary training, which contains SafeTALK, Mental Health First Aid and headspace specific training.
In return, support will be provided by AFLNT and headspace Darwin to
train two people from each club – one male and one female – providing in club support, full screening and training provided by headspace Darwin, access to AFLNT Wellbeing Coach and headspace Darwin’s support team, regular gatherings with all NTFL Wellbeing Champions to share knowledge, feel supported and exchange issues.
The roles are volunteer positions; however, Wellbeing Champions will be provided season passes to all TIO NTFL games, all training provided and a monthly BBQ/get together.
AFLNT’s Wellbeing Coach Belinda Creer said the volunteers and program will be an important asset to clubs and their members.
“We are very fortunate to have developed this unique partnership with headspace Darwin to provide professional support and training for our volunteers. The success of the pilot program this season will pave the way for a future where Wellbeing Champions are not only integral roles within all AFLNT affiliated clubs, but hopefully all sports.
“Sometimes when things are a little (or a lot) overwhelming it can simply be having a conversation with another person that gives us clarity and a direction for better wellbeing. Our Wellbeing Champions will be there for these conversations, support and direction,” Creer said.
Interested volunteers can get involved by contacting their club president or completing the application form which can be found here.
