By Alana Mitchelson
FORMER AFL footballer Austinn “Aussie” Jones has come on board with Berwick Rotary to promote mental health awareness among the Casey-Cardinia sport community.
Now principal at P3 Sports and Recovery, Jones will lead Rotary’s vision to train all coaches across the shire in mental health first aid (MHFA).
The training course will be run by Annmarie Bayard at Jones’ P3 Sports and Recovery in Berwick, with the first sessions commencing on 12 to 13 December.
A second session has also been scheduled for January.
Berwick Rotary’s Vivienne Armstrong said they had already received interest from Scout groups, school teachers and nurses.
“It is hoped all sporting clubs will see mental health first aid training as a valuable resource as trained personnel will be able to identify those who are struggling with stress or may need guidance from other sources,” she said.
“Anyone can do this training but we’re aiming it at interested coaches, parent volunteers and sporting support staff. We also hope to branch out to schools and community groups.
“Coaches and managers of team sports are in a unique position to make a huge difference to young people having difficulties with peer pressure and other issues.
“Together we are hoping to see mental health first aid become a requirement just as first aid is now.”
MHFA training is an awareness initiative being introduced to some 80 countries around the world.
It is a short course designed to help those in roles of supervision to recognise, and communicate appropriately, with those who may be struggling with depression or other mental health issues.
The 12-hour course will be run between 9.30am and 4pm, and costs $300.
Through fund-raising, Berwick Rotary will be offering course sponsorship to a select number of applicants who apply for assistance.
To express interest, email jim.armstrong@rotaryberwick.org
For more information, visit www.rotaryberwick.org or www.facebook.com/P3sportsandrecovery
