Today is World Mental Health Day.⁠
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While playing sports and exercising, especially in a team, is known have positive mental health benefits, none of us are⁠ immune to mental health challenges⁠
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It is important to address your everyday wellness rather than wait for a situation to reach crisis point and then intervene.⁠
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That’s why we encourage everyone to start practicing the 26 mindful habits and look after your mental health developed by @aumentalhealth⁠
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You can even register your health habits campaign online and participate as a group.⁠
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Visit lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au for registration, resources and information.

To mark LGBT History Month, we are reflecting on some of the challenges LGBT+ people have faced in sport, and the progress made towards strengthening the representation of LGBTQ+ community in sports. ⁠
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While many athletes and activists have successfully challenged restrictive notions of sport to create a safe space for the LGBT+ community, there is still a long way to go.⁠
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We hope that everyone at St Mary’s takes the time to educate themselves on LGBT+ History in sports, and that our club can be part of improving acceptance and participation of LGBT+ in the sporting community.⁠
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LGBT+ support resources are available below.
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Today is R U OK? Day.

This year’s theme is ‘No qualifications needed’ and reminds all of us that we have what it takes to support our family and friends who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.

This theme is in response to research that found four in ten Australians feel asking someone “are you OK?” is a conversation better had with an expert.

However, R U OK? want you to know you don’t need qualifications to have an R U OK? conversation.

Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through.

Fiona Hocking, Vice President, shared the importance of R U OK? Day at a sporting club.

“Sporting clubs are a big part of the community, so it is important that we ensure everyone feels connected and supported.”

“We want our club to be a physically and emotionally safe environment built on trust and respect.”

“However, building that culture isn’t down to one person, it’s a team effort.”

“That’s why we encourage everyone to engage with the R U OK? resources and find the confidence to check in with someone in our community who may be doing it tough.”

“Whether you’re a supporter of our club, a player, or volunteer, everyone has a role to play in building an R U OK? culture.”

More information is available at ruok.org.au

R U OK? Day is on Thursday 8 September.

R U OK? research has found four in ten Australians feel asking someone “are you OK?” is a conversation better had with an expert.

However, R U OK? want you to know you don’t need qualifications to have an R U OK? conversation. 

The work of health professionals is vital, and their value cannot be underestimated however we can all play a role in supporting the people in our world. 

You don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through.

Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed, because a conversation could change a life.

To ensure you are prepared to have a meaningful conversation on Thursday, we have put some of the most useful and relevant resources below:

• Guide to asking R U OK?
• R U OK? Guide for sporting coaches
• Learn the signs it’s time to ask R U OK?
• Take the quiz to see if you are prepared for an R U OK? conversation
• List of free and professional support services
• Connection tips for young people
• Conversation starters
• Conversation examples for sporting clubs
• Principles of creating an R U OK? culture in sporting clubs
• Sporting R U OK? culture survey

Find more resources here.