Club’s wellbeing committee spreads its wings

The Drysdale Hawks are spreading their wings beyond what happens during game time, launching a club and community wellbeing committee.

The club says it recognises the importance of supporting the welfare of not only players, coaches and members but also the wider community to unlock their full potential on and off the field.

“This really represents our ongoing objective to bring mental health to the forefront of grassroots sport in the Barwon region,” Drysdale president Trevor Hume said.

“We have the wellbeing committee along with the Hands Up Cup, as part of Mental Health week against Queenscliff, the Ryan Gatgens Memorial Trophy, in honour of Ryan’s memory, who passed at the age of 32 after a mental health battle, and a commitment to train our volunteers in Mental Health First Aid.”

The club is stressing the importance of support for mental health and wellbeing in community sport, particularly for young people.

Sport plays a key role in Australian culture, typified by the large numbers of young people who participate in organised sport.

Participation in sport can have direct benefits for physical and mental health by encouraging regular exercise, along with providing an opportunity for a sense of community and wellbeing to be cultivated.

It can also provide a safe space and a trusted network where people feel socially connected.

Drysdale has chosen a team of inspiring and compassionate people who share a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of mental health and wellbeing to head up its wellbeing committee.

This committee will be a point of contact for club members and support initiatives and programs to promote connection, belonging, and a healthy club and community.

For more information on the committee and a list of resources, head to drysdalefc.com.au/clubandcommunitywellbeingcommittee