Hawthorn Football Club has extended its Mental Health Program, announcing a new partnership with not-for-profit organisation Love Me Love You.
With former Hawks player Lance Picioane as its founder and CEO, Love Me Love You strives to empower young adults to help overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and other life hardships.
Last week, Love Me Love You were invited to the Ricoh Centre to take part in the club’s Secondary Schools Program. Picioane joined a group of Hawthorn players, as well as Box Hill Hawks Women’s player Bronte Bilston, in providing resilience training to over 80 students from four local schools. To watch the full video click here.
Picioane says he hopes the new partnership will help encourage young people to change their perceptions around mental health.
“We are very proud and excited to partner with the Hawthorn FC as we tackle the stigma surrounding mental health in the community," said the former Hawk.
"Through Hawthorn’s engagement with the broader community, we can raise awareness and encourage others to become mental health advocates.
"At Love Me Love You we believe in empowering the community to foster positive change, and help the youth of Australia change their thinking around mental health.”
Hawthorn and Love Me Love You will work closely together to enhance their current programs with a key focus on youth resilience. Suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians and accounts for the deaths of more young people than car accidents.
With approximately 3000 people dying by suicide every year, Hawthorn is a loyal advocate for organisations that bring awareness to mental health issues in Australia. Hawthorn’s vision is that every Australian will be aware of the necessary tools to tackle anxiety and depression, so they can help themselves and others in the road to recovery.
Love Me Love You joins Hawthorn’s longstanding partner of 12 years beyondblue, as the club takes a strategic approach to mental health.
In Round 19 Hawthorn will once again host the beyondblue Cup in its clash against Sydney at the MCG. Following last year’s emotional performance by Australian singer/songwriter Taylor Henderson, the Hawks have some exciting entertainment planned for fans at the game. Full details will be released in the coming weeks.
Further information on Love Me Love You can be found here.
Further information on Hawthorn’s Mental Health Program including the Looking After ME schools program can be found here.
If you or anyone you know needs assistance for mental health issues, call the beyondblue support service line 1300 22 46 36.
