The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has announced it is meeting unprecedented demand for its mental health support services.
This demand has led to the AIS and the Australian Olympic Committee signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will increase accessibility to the AIS Mental Health Referral Network.
At the same time, the AIS is encouraging athletes and their support networks to continue reaching out for help.
Director of People Development and Wellbeing at the AIS, Matti Clements said the countdown to the Tokyo Olympic Games had corresponded with an increase in referrals to the AIS Mental Health Referral Network.
“There have been 206 referrals so far in 2021, including 61 in May — the highest in one month since the support service began in 2018,” Ms Clements said.
“The AIS has never had a greater focus on supporting athlete mental health and wellbeing.”
She said it was completely understandable that nerves and anxiety would grow in the build-up to events like the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, especially given these Games would be like no other.
“Many athletes are still dealing with the pressures of training and selection processes,” Ms Clements said.
“Those selected for the Games are facing the prospect of a completely different Games environment, without their usual support networks of family and friends,” she said.
“We’re here to help.
“The increase in demand for the AIS Mental Health Referral Network is also a positive sign that athletes are increasingly aware of the support available and are reaching out if and when they need it.”
Ms Clements said the MoU with the AOC ensured all of Australia’s past Olympians, of every sport, had continuing access to the AIS service as well.
