Think Mental Health Round and free mental health sessions
With the annual Think Mental Health Round scheduled for this weekend, Football West and our partner Healthway are proud to highlight a series of free mental health sessions we will host throughout 2025.
The sessions are part of the annual Kick off the Conversation program, this year focusing on mental health education and building capacity within football clubs.
More than 80 participants have so far attended sessions across Western Australia, ensuring clubs from all regions benefit from this important initiative.
The sessions, delivered by Helping Minds and Richmind WA, cover core mental health education, including how to recognise and support those experiencing challenges, stress management, and strategies to promote wellbeing.
They also explore topics such as trauma, bullying in sport, de-escalation techniques, substance use, and the importance of empathy and understanding when supporting others.
Helping Minds has already presented three sessions – two face-to-face at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in February and May, plus an online session in June.
Richmind WA travelled to Bunbury in June to host a session at BUSC and will deliver the next session at Inglewood United FC on 28 July, followed by a presentation to Albany clubs on 12 August. There are also plans to deliver a mental health session in Karratha later this year, as well as offering an additional online session for regions unable to access face-to-face training.
The sessions are ideal for club administrators, volunteers, wellbeing officers, team managers, coaches and anyone else interested in supporting mental health within football environments.
- Feedback from the sessions has been positive, with attendees reporting a deeper understanding of anxiety, depression and trauma. Many highlighted the critical role of language, tone, and empathy in effectively supporting others.
Think Mental Health Round
Another key highlight of the program is the Think Mental Health Round, running across all Football West competitions on the weekend of 19–20 July.
This round aims to raise awareness and encourage clubs to foster stronger, supportive environments both on and off the pitch.
We have 37 clubs currently registered for the round.
Registered clubs will hold BBQs and engage players and families in conversations about mental health as part of the initiative.
They are also encouraged to share key mental health messages through their digital channels, display Think Mental Health branding, invite facilitators to run wellbeing sessions, and adopt or promote their club’s wellbeing policies.
Get Involved
If your club would like to participate or learn more, here are some helpful links:
- Kick Off the Conversation Program Information
- Register for the Trauma Awareness Session with Richmind WA in Perth
- Register for the Trauma Awareness Session with Richmind WA in Albany
- Join the Think Mental Health Round
Football West remains committed to supporting the wellbeing of all football community members and creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported.
Thanks to our partner Healthway and its Think Mental Health campaign for supporting this important initiative.