Long-time Sydney Swans member Craig Dodson has set out to help rectify Australia’s alarming mental-health statistics.

Disturbed about the fact eight people commit suicide in Australia on average every day, and driven by his own battles, Dodson is travelling far and wide across Australia in an effort to raise money and awareness for mental-health organisation Gotcha4Life.

A not-for-profit organisation founded by media personality Gus Worland, Gotcha4Life funds educational workshops, training programs and products targeted at supporting the mental health of individuals.

Dodson is backing the organisation by aiming to play for 10 cricket clubs over the 2019/2020 summer, beginning with Pomborneit Cricket Club in Victoria in October and ending with Royal Park Brunswick Cricket Club in February.

Dodson hopes to spread an important message on his journey.

“In my early 30s I went through a bit of a rough patch with mental health, but I was very lucky to have some really close mates who I was able to lean on and who helped me through those challenges,” Dodson said.

“Gotcha4Life has the philosophy that you need someone you can lean on for life and that message really resonates with me.

“Cricket clubs are very traditionally male-dominated and an audience that struggles to talk about mental health, so I thought cricket clubs would give me a good avenue to speak about those issues.”

To make a donation to Dodson’s cause or to learn more about his project, click HERE.