North Melbourne plays Adelaide at Blundstone Arena this Sunday, with the Roos dedicating the round to creating awareness for SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.
“Everyone at North Melbourne is thrilled we can do our bit to help support SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, an organisation that are doing great things around positive mental health promotion,” North Melbourne’s Jared Polec said.
Stay ChatTY founder Mitch McPherson said the game will bring about opportunities for players and fans alike to put mental health and the wellbeing of their mates at the forefront of their minds.
“We are beyond thrilled to come together with North Melbourne in shining a light on the importance of prioritising our mental health and coming together as a community to break down the stigma,” McPherson said.
As part of the awareness game McPherson and the Stay ChatTY team will connect with North Melbourne players and supporters across the weekend in a variety of settings. Also encouraging anyone coming along to the game to wear shorts in a show of solidarity, for the importance of speaking up and checking in when it comes to our mental health.
“We are excited for fans to get right behind the importance of the game by checking in on those around them, cheering with kindness and finding ways to prioritise their mental health,” McPherson said.
“Mental health is such a prominent issue in society and unfortunately there continues to be a stigma attached. We encourage everyone coming along to the game on Sunday to get involved, brave the cold and wear your shorts!” Polec said.
McPherson said the collaboration means a lot more to both parties than just one game.
“The aim is to provide ongoing impact within the North Melbourne Club not only for players, but also for their supporters.
Creating positive impact in sporting clubs has been a massive priority for Stay ChatTY since 2018 when their Sports Program Officially Launched.
“This year, we have expanded our Sports Program offerings, launching the Junior Sports Program in March.
“Over the past 4 years, Stay ChatTY has visited over 200 sporting clubs right across Tasmania with strong aspirations to take the programs nationwide.”
