Hawthorn’s Looking After ME school program continues to grow, with 31 schools and 2500 students having already participated in the program in 2017. 

Looking After ME, a three-week program tailored to grade three and four students, aims to improve the physical, mental and nutritional health of children by means of education. 

One in four primary school students are overweight or obese, and one in seven experience some form of mental illness. By educating students on healthy living habits and positive mental health, Looking After ME intends to dramatically decrease these statistics.

Throughout the year, Hawthorn players have visited several schools throughout Victoria and Tasmania, to help encourage and support students undertaking the program. 

“We see ourselves as role models,” Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson explained.

“Some of the things that happen in kids’ lives, they don’t really want to talk about it with parents or friends.

“Sometimes it’s actually seeing their AFL role models that encourages them to address problems that have happened in their life.” 

Hawthorn partners with Beyondblue and Deakin University in developing the content for Looking After ME. 

For more information about the program, please click here.