The ACT Brumbies through the Rugby Union Players Association have taken positive steps to strengthen their understanding on mental health, attending a two-day Youth Mental Health First Aid course, delivered by the club’s Player Wellbeing and Development Manager, Robin Duff.
The course focused on giving adults tools to assist young people who are showing signs of decline in their mental health, or indeed those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Topics covered during the course included anxiety, depression, suicide and traumatic events.
ACT Brumbies Player Wellbeing and Development Manager, Robin Duff said: “The course is designed for those who participate to gain a better understanding of mental health, and to learn some valuable practical skills they can apply should they be in a position where a person may need support.
“The players were really engaged from the start, and I believe they would all feel more confident in approaching someone they had concern for.”
ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “It’s terrific that we now have a group of players and staff with the ability to recognise when someone is struggling and help them link to more professional assistance.”
“While our Player Wellbeing and Development Manager is our key contact in this area, having more people in the club with skills and awareness is critical if we are to notice and assist when people around us are doing it tough.”
A further Youth Mental Health First Aid course will be conducted in the next few months and will include players and staff from the Super W and Academy programs, and staff from the wider Brumbies organisation.
