The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has entered a partnership with the Black Dog Institute to help reduce the rates of mental health issues in young Australians.
The Institute’s Mental Fitness Program will involve 27 current and former elite athletes who will assist in the delivery of mental wellbeing presentations, both in-person and online, at high schools throughout the country.
Presenter of the program and Commonwealth Games gold medallist boxer, Harry Garside (pictured) said his personal experience with mental health education at school was a game-changer.
“I wanted to get involved in the Mental Fitness Program because I know first-hand that these workshops can have a significant impact and change the course of a young person’s life,” Mr Garside said.
“As an elite athlete, I want to role model behaviour that promotes self-care and positive psychology to help improve the wellbeing and resilience of young Australians.”
It is estimated that one in five people will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year, and approximately 60 per cent of those people won’t seek help.
Black Dog Institute research reveals more than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before the age of 25.
Director of Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement at the AIS, Matti Clements said that in these challenging times it was important young people had the skills to look after their mental wellbeing.
“Like adults, young people can face numerous challenges in the modern world and the impacts of COVID-19 on schooling and everyday life has added that extra layer of pressure,” Ms Clements said.
“Now more than ever it is vital that young people are taught how to look after their mental wellbeing, and the AIS is thrilled to partner with a renowned research leader such as the Black Dog Institute to deliver this critical program to high school students across Australia,” she said.
