Mental health is an important issue in Australia with one in five people having some form of depression, anxiety or mental health issue.
75% of these people have their first mental health issue before they are 25 years of age.
The average age of professional Australian rugby players is 18 - 25 years old.
Raising awareness of mental health issues is therefore a key priority for RUPA as part of our mission to support, prepare and protect players on and off the field.
RUPA are proud to support NRC naming rights sponsor, Buildcorp in helping to raise funds during this week’s #mentalhealthround.
Buildcorp’s Charitable Fund have announced this year they will be raising funds to help Lifeline’s Online Crisis Support Chat – a service for those who don’t feel comfortable picking up the phone and using Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis line when in need of help.
Volunteers will be collecting donations and selling Buildcorp and replica Gilbert rugby balls at all round nine Buildcorp NRC matches and the third and final Bledisloe Cup Test at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane this Saturday. All monies raised will go towards The Buildcorp Charitable Fund to assist Lifeline.
Players are also banding together to raise awareness and encourage people to talk about any mental health issues, including feelings of anxiety, depression or suicide.
You can help raise awareness and follow the cause @RUPAnews on Twitter and Instagram using #mentalhealthround & #rugbytalks.
You can also help by donating online at www.buildcorp.com.au
$30 will help Lifeline put another counsellor online for an extra hour so every bit counts.
