Pigeons’ focus in on wellbeing program

Loss of income and in some cases employment, increased isolation, homelessness, decrease capacity to engage in sport and community activities, not being able to attend education and an increase in mental health concerns are just a few of the impacts the region has seen.

Yarrawonga netballer and Board Welfare Director Erin Rees relocated from Melbourne mid-COVID last year to be the Operational Director of Albury Wodonga Health’s Mental Health Services. She was immediately struck by the impact of the pandemic and bushfires but also very heartened by the resilience and sense of community in the region.

Erin was invited to the board of Yarrawonga Football Netball Club by President Ross Mulquiney with the main aim to further develop a structure to support the club and community.

Ross said the Pigeons are aiming to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive sporting and community environment in which all members of the community are welcome to join, participate and contribute in various ways.

“A safe and supportive club culture protects people against a range of health-related risks as well as a strong and inclusive club enabling players, members, supporters, families and others in the community to engage in meaningful and positive relationships for mutual benefit,” Ross explained.

To date the club has run the Tackle your Feelings Program which is a Mental Health initiative aimed at supporting our club and providing coaches and managers with the tools to understand and recognize and manage their response to the signs of mental health in their players.

The program was co-facilitated with Rachel Willis from Pure Empowerment Psychology and was attended by coaching staff, managers and board members.

The #Bekindtoyourmind initiative– a mental health awareness campaign and round was successfully held with Myrtleford Alpine Saints on the 10th of July with guest speakers Lauren Jackson and Glenn Manton. The round celebrated Mental Health awareness, reducing stigma about being mentally unwell and promoting the importance of reaching out for support when needed.

The TAC Road Safety Round [including a presentation to our junior players on driving safety], Freeze for MND charity match, 1800 Respect Charity match where over $4000 was raised for the domestic violence charity and review of Player code of conduct are other initiatives the club has participated in.

“The club is now announcing the launch of the YFNC Wellbeing Team – a team and program for YFNC players, officials, members, supporters and broader Yarrawonga community that supports and encourages mental health awareness, early intervention and resilience within the community,” Ross said.

“Over the coming months and years, the team will be aiming to create a basic understanding of mental health through use of education, events and initiatives with the aim of having Mental Health awareness and support integration into the club’s culture. The team will also have the capacity to provide access to resources and support referral pathways as required.”

If being part of this initiative is of interest to people, please contact Erin at info@yfnc. com.au

The coronavirus pandemic and bushfires have certainly taken their toll on our region over the last 18 months.