R U OK? Round coming this August

AFL NSW/ACT and mental health partner, R U OK? have announced the inaugural AFL NSW/ACT R U OK? Round, which will occur on August 3-4, 2019.

To be played by all 14 leagues in the New South Wales and ACT region, this is a first for AFL NSW/ACT in running a simultaneous initiative across all leagues in one weekend.

AFL NSW/ACT and R U OK? have combined in an exciting partnership to highlight the need to support and connect with anyone struggling with their mental health.

R U OK? want to create a world where we are all connected and are protected from suicide by encouraging people to reach out and ask, “Are you OK?”.

R U OK? works with a number of organisations that are looking to create stronger connections to start conversations and prevent suicide.

AFL NSW/ACT CEO, Sam Graham says the leagues are excited to show a united front in relation to the conversation around mental health.

“We are excited to have R U OK? on board as our mental health partner and are looking forward to R U OK? Round in early August,” said Graham.

“R U OK? Round will look to encourage clubs around the state and territory to get involved in the conversation surrounding mental health.

“Our leagues and clubs provide great environments and supportive frameworks, where mateship and loyalty are at the core of our game.

“R U OK? Round will open even more avenues for awareness for mental health, and challenge everyone within our game to make sure that they ask that important question – are you ok?”

R U OK? CEO, Katherine Newton says she is also looking forward to reaching the thousands of people across the 14 leagues.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with AFL NSW/ACT and spread the R U OK? message through its vibrant community,” said Newton.

“We know that both playing in a team and supporting a team can provide a sense of belonging.

“We want AFL NSW/ACT supporters to look out for each other on and off the field and trust their gut when they notice the signs that someone might be struggling with life.”

There is no limit as to how clubs can get involved with R U OK? Round. Some suggestions as to how to support the round include:

• – Purchasing items from the R U OK? Store for your club to use over the round and throughout the year
• – Discussing mental health as a group, ensuring everyone knows they are there for each other. Click here for assistance on how to do this.
• – Champion a fundraiser or social media campaign
• – Put up posters around your club

Further R U OK? initiatives will be announced closer to the date of R U OK? Round. Until then, we encourage everyone to get around the round and prepare for August 3-4.

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