Mental illness affects every Australian either directly or indirectly, this makes mental health everybody’s business and demonstrates the need for community care models that empower individuals where they live, work and play. One in five Australians will experience a mental health problem in any given year. As a result, every person is likely to know someone who is experiencing a mental health problem, whether that is a family member, a friend or colleague.

This week, over 30 staff members from the First Nations Academy in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney and Shellharbour, the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, AFLW, AFL , GO Foundation and the Gujaga Foundation attended First Aid Mental Health Australia’s – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course.

Mental Health First Aid is the initial help offered to someone who is experiencing a mental health problem, or a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves. First Nations Peoples are two-to-four times more likely to suffer from mental health illnesses than the wider population, demonstrating the need to provide education in this space.

The Sydney Swans value the mental health of our staff, players, members and community and its importance and impact of creating a mentally healthy workplace.

Sydney Swans First Nations Strategy & Player Development Manager Jarred Hodges said the program is designed to provide the skills and knowledge to participants on how to assist First Nations people who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis is resolved.

“This course looks to build the capacity of our staff to better equip them with the skills and knowledge to support and promote positive mental health of players and staff," Hodges said.