AIS and Black Dog partner to improve mental fitness in young Australians
27th July 2020 EMBARGOED UNTIL 10AM MONDAY 27TH JULY 2020 Australian Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes are joining the fight to help reduce rates of mental health issues in young children as part of a new community partnership between the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Black Dog Institute.
Designed to help young people manage their mental health and improve their general wellbeing, the Mental Fitness Program will see 27 current and former elite athletes assist in delivering mental wellbeing presentations, both in-person and online, at high schools throughout the country. Mental Fitness Program presenter and Commonwealth Games gold medal winning boxer Harry Garside said his personal experience with mental health education at school was a game-changer. “I wanted to get involved in the Mental Fitness Program because I know firsthand that these workshops can have a significant impact and change the course of a young person’s life,” said Mr Garside. “As an elite athlete, I want to role model behaviour that promotes self-care and positive psychology to help improve the wellbeing and resilience of young Australians.” In Australia, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year, and approximately 60% of those people won’t seek help. Over 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before the age of 25 which shows the importance of tackling the subject from an early age.
Black Dog Institute Director and Chief Scientist Helen Christensen said the ability to bring sport and community together to teach meaningful life skills was needed now more than ever.
“We are absolutely delighted to partner with the AIS to deliver the Mental Fitness Program in Australian high schools, at a city, state and national level,” said Ms Christensen.
“Young people are more likely to take up mental health and wellbeing training if these programs are delivered by a person with whom they can resonate. The earlier these programs are offered, the more likely the effects will be long lasting.”
The Mental Fitness Program is a unique offering that brings together two of the institute’s existing programs – the Mental Fitness Presentation and the Bite Back Mental Fitness Challenge.
Research conducted by the Black Dog Institute revealed that almost 80 per cent of people say their mental health was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with visitors to blackdoginstitute.org.au doubling as people sought techniques to cope with anxiety and stress.
AIS Director Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Matti Clements said in these challenging times it is important young people have the skills to look after their mental wellbeing.
“Like adults, young people can face numerous challenges in the modern world and the impacts of COVID19 on schooling and everyday life has added that extra layer of pressure,” said Ms Clements.
“Now more than ever it is vital that young people are taught how to look after their mental wellbeing, and the AIS is thrilled to partner with a renowned research leader such as Black Dog Institute to deliver this critical program to hig h school students across Australia.” For any schools interested in a free Black Dog Mental Fitness Presentation delivered by an elite athlete, you can submit a request via the Black Dog Institute website - here.
2 of 3 The Mental Fitness Program is one of three community engagement initiatives offered to Australian athletes by the AIS, alongside Lifeline Community Custodians and Share a Yarn.
For further information – visit www.ais.gov.au/community-engagement or www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education- services/ais-mental-fitness-program/
Mental Fitness Program athlete presenters Alyce Wood, Paddle Australia Andrew Edmondson, Wheelchair Rugby Belinda Maxworthy, Archery Australia Cam Crombie, Athletics Australia Carlee Beattie, Athletics Australia Carly James, Hockey Australia Declan Stacey, Diving Dylan Pietsch, Rugby Australia Georgie Rowe, Rowing Australia Gordon Allan, Cycling Australia Harry Garside, Boxing Australia Holly Takos, Cycling Australia Jaime Roberts, Paddle Australia Jennifer Tait, Volleyball Australia Jo Brigden-Jones, Paddle Australia Joshua Thornton, Bowls Australia Kaye Scott, Boxing Australia Kieran Woolley, Skate Australia Liam Twomey, Triathlon Australia Matthew Denny, Athletics Australia Melissa Tapper, Table Tennis Australia Mitchell Gourley, Snow Australia Nicola Hammond, Hockey Australia Nikki Ayers, Rowing Australia Noemie Fox, Paddle Australia Olivia Vivian, Gymnastics Australia Rachel Tallent, Athletics Australia
Media contact AIS - Sarah Browne 04102 494 503 or [email protected]
About Black Dog Institute - Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health for all ages and people. The institute’s aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. The institute does this through integrating research studies, education programs, digital tools and apps, clinical services, and public resources to discover new solutions, foster connections and create real-world change.
3 of 3 Australian Institute of Sport - The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) leads the Australian high performance (HP) sport system with a vision to create national pride and inspiration through international sporting success. The AIS believes wellbeing is an important part of sustained high performance and is committed to supporting elite athletes to be the best they can be and ins pire the community.