Southern View: April 04, 2017

SOUTHERN WESTERN NEWS VIEW Latest Christchurch news at www. .kiwi
TUESDAY Tuesday APRIL April 4 2017
25
NRL PROGRAMME
DESIGNED TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH
Jessica Macartney and Brent Tomlinson display
the State of Mind jersey the players wear.
The Hornby Rugby League Club is one of two Christchurch league clubs that has put in place
a programme designed to foster a healthy mental state in its players.
Recognising the devastating effects that can occur if mental health issues are not addressed,
the NRL has developed its NRL State of Mind grass roots programme. Now in its second
season, it comprises a six-step recognition process targeted at club leadership level – club
administrators, coaches, managers and senior members.
Australian Jessica Macartney, community manager – NRL Health, who was in Christchurch
recently to present the programme, says the idea is to change the culture of the clubs by
educating these leaders about mental health and how to deal with difficulties young players may
have around mental health, and passing this on to them through mentoring.
“Each club has its own needs,” Jessica says, “so it’s a matter of working out what’s best, and
we do this through the six-step recognition process. It takes two seasons to get through the
six-step process.”
In 2016 there were five New Zealand clubs and 30 Australian clubs participating in the
programme. This year a further five clubs have joined the programme in New Zealand, and
in Australia, after a substantial State Government funding boost, there are 105 clubs going
through the programme, Jessica says.
Two leading NRL players, Simon Mannering and Tofofoa Sipley, have been appointed as
Ambassadors for NRL State of Mind in New Zealand.
As stated on the NRL State of Mind website, the key outcomes of the programme are: to
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reduce the stigma around mental ill health within the club and community; increase mental
health literacy across grassroots rugby league clubs; and stimulate help-seeking behaviours of
club members and community.
The outline of the programme was introduced at the Hornby Rugby League clubrooms in
May 2016, and that meeting drew a good crowd of club members, players and friends, who got
right behind the concept, club president Brent Tomlinson says.
“People knew it was needed, that something had to be done. They just didn’t know how, so
this came at just the right time.”
The club has set up a special Education Centre where the programme is presented, equipped
with sound system, computers and screens. The redecoration of the room and the installation
of equipment were carried out by club members in their free time, with the costs covered by
fundraising.
“Our teenage members can also come in here if they want some time out in a safe,
comfortable environment,” Brent says.
As part of the State of Mind programme, and to reinforce the message, all the teams wear
the special State of Mind jersey when they are playing.
Hornby Rugby League Club has produced Kiwis and other representative players and
coaches over the years. Later this year, members and local residents will have the opportunity
to see some of the world’s current top rugby league players in action, when they come here to
compete in the Rugby League World Cup taking place between October and December.
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• Live music Friday & Saturday
• Complimentary BBQ 6pm Friday nights
• Gaming room with 18 games
• Pool competitions Wednesday
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• Karaoke every Thursday
• Outdoor area
• Longest serving publican in Hornby
• Live sports – Sky TV
• Run by locals for locals
• Jam night every Tuesday
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