Mental Health Resources & Support

Member Assistance Program 

The Perth Football League is proud to launch the PFL Member Assistance Program, an initiative designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of all players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and club officials across our League. 

Through a partnership with Healthway and Think Mental Health we now offer confidential and professional support services for anyone in the PFL community who may be experiencing mental health challenges, personal stress, or emotional strain. 

What’s Included? 

  • Free Counselling Support: Up to three (3) confidential counselling sessions per member each year, delivered by trained professionals. 

  • 24/7 Access: Around-the-clock availability to help when it’s needed most. 

  • No Referrals Needed: Members can access support directly and anonymously. 

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Open to all players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and administrators within PFL clubs. 

Why This Matters 

We know that local footy is more than a game - it’s a community. But life off the field can be tough, and that’s why the League is committed to ensuring every member has access to the help they need, when they need it. Whether it’s performance pressure, family stress, financial challenges, or just needing someone to talk to, the Member Assistance Program is here to help. 

How to Access Support 

Getting help is simple and confidential: 

  1. Visit this LINK

  1. Follow the prompts to request a counselling session 

  1. List your organisation as the Perth Football league 

  1. Hear back from Access Wellbeing Services, lock in your session 

All information remains strictly confidential. The League will not be informed of who uses the service. 

Help Us Spread the Word 

Posters are available for clubs to promote the Member Assistance Program in changerooms, clubrooms, and digital platforms. Download the toolkit below to help raise awareness and encourage your club to prioritise mental wellbeing. 

  • Posters - Download here 

  • Social Media Tile - Download template here (note - you will need to sign into Canva) 

Picture 1, Picture 

Crisis Response: Mental Health Emergencies, Critical Incidents and Suicide Support 
The Perth Football League recognises the significant impact that critical incidents such as the death of a club member or a serious mental health concern can have on individuals and clubs. The League maintains existing relationships with a number of mental health and crisis response organisations and can assist in connecting clubs to professional support when incidents occur. 

If your club is impacted by a critical incident, please contact Henry Beus at the League for immediate guidance and connection to relevant support services. 

Henry@perthfootball.com.au  

0484 686 969  

In addition, the following external services are available to assist anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or affected by suicide. 

Mental Health Emergency Response Link (MHERL) is a 24-hour telephone service for people in the Perth metropolitan area experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. 
• Call 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight AEST) or chat online 
• Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au 

StandBy Support After Suicide is a suicide postvention program dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide. 
• Call 1300 727 247 
• Website: https://standbysupport.com.au 

Beyond Blue provides telephone and online counselling 24/7 for everyone in Australia, as well as a range of mental health resources and information. 
• Call 1300 224 636 
• Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor 

13YARN is the first national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. It offers a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. 

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
• Website: https://www.13yarn.org.au/about-us 

Tackle Your Feelings: Mental Health Education for Community Clubs 

The Perth Football League is proud to partner with Tackle Your Feelings, a free mental health training program designed specifically for players, coaches, committee members and club support staff across community AFL clubs. 

Formed in 2018 by the AFL Coaches Association, AFL Players’ Association and Zurich Insurance, Tackle Your Feelings was developed in the wake of the tragic death of Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh. The program brings evidence-based mental health education previously reserved for the elite AFL system directly to the grassroots level. 

Each 90-minute session is delivered in-person by a qualified local psychologist at your club and is designed to give participants the skills to: 

  • Understand the basics of mental health and wellbeing 

  • Recognise the signs of when someone might be struggling 

  • Respond appropriately and confidently to a teammate, friend or club member in need 

To support clubs in hosting these sessions, the Perth Football League will provide catering on the night and work with you to tailor the session content to best suit your club’s needs. 

Led by high-profile player and coach ambassadors, the workshop empowers community leaders to foster mentally healthy environments and reduce stigma around mental health. 

To enquire about hosting a Tackle Your Feelings session at your club, reach out to Henry Beus at the League. 

To read more about the program head to: https://www.tackleyourfeelings.org.au/  

 

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