Youth Solutions and Wests Group Macarthur Group have again teamed up and are proud to announce the launch of the Sports Aware supporter campaign.
The goal of the campaign is to ensure that local sporting coaches, clubs, parents and carers have access to the health information they need to better support their young people around drug, alcohol and wellbeing issues.
The campaign runs alongside the Sports Aware program; a year-round initiative delivering health promotion and skill-building workshops and outreach activities with young sportspeople.
Sports Aware supporters campaign aims to help the positive role models of our sporting community feel equipped with the know-how and connections to support their young people, particularly via the launch and sharing of a supporters guide, social media campaign and various community activations.
Youth Solutions chief executive officer Geraldine Dean said she and the team were excited to launch the supporter campaign this month, and particularly its supporter guide, to help our community prioritise youth wellbeing and to know the signs and steps to supporting someone experiencing drug, alcohol or wellbeing concerns.
“The team, with the support of Wests Group Macarthur, has worked hard to put together an amazing supporters guide in a concise format that covers the key points,’’ she says.
“It’s an easy-to-carry pocket leaflet containing information we believe is vital to ensure our young sportspeople are safe.
“Utilising this guide, and some robust campaign engagement strategies, we’re seeking to help parents, carers, coaches and sporting clubs be equipped to support their young sports players who might be experiencing issues with wellbeing or drugs and alcohol,” Mrs Dean said.
“The two areas particularly relevant for carers and coaches are: signs a young player may be experiencing issues around drugs and alcohol, and tips on how to talk to young players about drugs, alcohol and safety.
“Strong support networks, positive role models and open communication around these topics can play a role in prevention.
Mrs Dean encouraged all sporting clubs to share the Sports aware supporter campaign and guide with their coaches, staff and families, and consider building their support of young people by booking a free Sports Aware health promotion workshop for their youth players.
She also thanked the Wests Group Macarthur team for its support and partnership.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Wests Group Macarthur for its support, partnership and funding for this campaign and the broader Sports Aware project. It’s truly heartening to see their shared passion for supporting the wellbeing of local young sportspeople,’’ Mrs Dean said.
Wests Group Macarthur CEO Daniel Perkiss said his organisation was pleased to be part of such an important initiative.
“We look forward to working with Youth Solutions to bring this campaign to life as part of our commitment to supporting our young sportspeople on and off the sporting field,’’ he said.
This month’s Sports Aware outreach activities, where you can pick up the supporter guide, campaign freebies and chat to the Youth Solutions team include this Sunday (May 18), 1-3pm, Macarthur Football Association home ground, Lynwood Park, Ranger Rd, St Helens Park.
Also, Saturday, May 24, 12-4pm, Camden Rams rugby league home ground, Kirkham Park, Camden Valley Way, Elderslie.
For more details about the Sports Aware program, visit youthsolutions.com.au/educators/sports-aware.
To book a Sports Aware program, call Emily on 4628 2319 or email emily@youthsolutions.com.au.
