State of Mind Grassroots Program /

The NRL State of Mind Grassroots program is a 4-step process targeted towards senior players, club administrators, coaches and managers of grassroots rugby league clubs (attendees need to be 18+ years of age).

The aim of this program, which will be the constant driver of our work, is to:

• Use the Game's reach, profile, Clubs and players to reduce stigma around mental illness;
• Increase our participants understanding of mental health;
• Stimulate help seeking behaviours by educating and informing our community with appropriate resources and literature;
• Connect Rugby League communities with our expert partners.

The four steps of the program are as follows:

1. Registration - After registering in the program, the club will be provided with an information stand in the form of a life-size Advocate cut out and expert partner information.
2. Education session - A 90-minute workshop involving on and off the field activities, with the program aiming to provide participants with the knowledge and confidence to provide support to a person experiencing MH problems and to help access appropriate support if needed. This is facilitated by our community program deliverers (a retired NRL or current NRLW player) and uses rugby league language throughout the session to convey positive mental health and wellbeing messages.
3. Mental Health Action Plan - Two club members to go through a Mental Health Action Plan checklist with a Community Program Deliverer in order to best support mental wellness and develop and implement strategies to address mental ill health within the club. The action plan covers everything from setting up an inclusive club to responding to critical incidents. This can be done either over the phone or in person.
4. Recognition - Grassroots clubs will be awarded a recognition plaque displaying their status as an official NRL State of Mind Grassroots club. Clubs will be encouraged to mark their achievement by holding an event day that promotes mental wellness and local services.