Leading local organisations have reaffirmed their commitment to ending violence against women.
The Leading for Change initiative is made up of project partners AFL Outer East, Sport and Life
Training Foundation (SALT), Eastern Health and Yarra Valley Water.
They’ve signalled their endorsement of 16 Days of Activism, a United Nations initiative against gender-based violence.
It marks the period between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on 25 November, and Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Through Leading for Change, this year there’s been the most significant investments in player mental health and wellbeing in football and netball clubs in the AFL Yarra Ranges.
Key to this has been SALT’s involvement.
Carissa Rash was the key presenter for SALT sessions Strong is the New Pretty, Wellbeing and Mental Health, and Crossing the Line.
She said SALT was constantly receiving feedback that its sessions positively impacted young girls and women.
“The sessions allowed women to have significant conversations in a safe environment, which was very empowering,” Ms Rash said.
“We want to make as much of a difference as we can, and reach as many people as we can.”
At the 26 SALT sessions, Eastern Health provided referral and support pathways to nine football and netball clubs.
Eastern Health senior health promotion officer Josette O’Donnell said SALT had a great reputation among football and netball clubs in the AFL Outer East and Eastern Football League.
“Their sessions are interactive and informative,” she said.
“They challenge people to look beyond what’s happening at face value.
“They see the importance of people’s own mental and physical health and maintaining healthy and respectful relationships.”
AFL Outer East regional manager Aaron Bailey said he wanted to ensure that the league’s clubs were supportive of mental health and were great places to be for everyone, including girls and women.
“SALT provides a unique opportunity for clubs to reflect on their culture and values and make sure they are creating healthy and supportive environments for the whole community,” he said.
Scott Coghlan from the Wandin Junior Football Club said the SALT training was “excellent for our kids”.
“The topics covered were relevant and informative, whilst the presenters were engaging and approachable,” he said.
Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said mental health was just as important as physical health.
“And it’s important that this message is reinforced at a community level, which is where most people start to play sport,” he said.
Clubs interested in being part of the project can contact AFL Outer East for more information.
