Wingman Initiative Gets Bayside Expansion

The overwhelmingly positive response to Black Rock Football Netball Club’s “Who’s Your Wingman?” mental health campaign last season will see the initiative expanded among other clubs in the bayside region in 2018.

The campaign delivers one simple, clear and powerful message that aims to enable young men to identify potential mental health issues and encourages them to speak to a mate if they or someone they know may be experiencing any anxiety or depression symptoms.

As part of the campaign launch in May, the Jets unveiled two 2x6m fence banners with the “Who’s Your Wingman?” message emblazoned on the front, which were proudly displayed on the wings at MacDonald Reserve for each home game in the back half of the season.

Bayside City Council and the Southern Football Netball League have strongly endorsed the campaign, which will now be rolled out to other SFNL clubs in Cheltenham, East Brighton, Hampton, Moorabbin and Highett.

Beaumaris Rotary has adopted the campaign as part of their community initiatives and will provide funding and resources toward the expansion.

Black Rock President John Burke said he is delighted with the interest in the initiative and hopes to see its benefits realised on a wider scale.

“I have been overwhelmed with the support and interest my little campaign has received from Rotary, League and Council,” Burke said.

“My club has seen the significant impact the campaign has had in our area so really looking forward to seeing how the other clubs work it as well.

“It is a simple message that we hope could stimulate discussion on mental health not only in sporting clubs, but the wider community.”

Beaumaris Rotary has provided two fence banners for each of the five new clubs involved to display at their venues for all home matches throughout the season, which will ensure visibility across all four SFNL Senior divisions.

The Presidents of the five clubs adopting the program in 2018 have all thrown their full support behind the initiative.

[caption id="attachment_17597" align="aligncenter" width="650"] (L-R) East Brighton President Greg Young, Cheltenham President John Graham, Beaumaris Rotary's Tony Phillips, SFNL CEO Mike Palmer, Bayside City Council Mayor Laurie Evans, Beaumaris Rotary's Chris Werner, Black Rock President John Burke and Hampton Vice President Graeme Hyman.[/caption]

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