Kicking goals for young guys’ mental health
Kick 2 Kick 4 a Cause kicks off again on Saturday 16 March in Canberra when a 24-hour footy marathon will be held to raise money for the work done by Menslink in addressing young guys mental health issues.
Last year, the fund-raiser scored a whopping $55,000, supported by some high profile local sports stars including Brownlow medalist Adam Cooney, rugby seven’s Alicia Quirk, Canberra Demons captain Aaron Bruce and ACT Brumby Matt Lucas.
The event was inspired by Matt Cooney, Adam Hobill, Dave Gollasch and Anthony Weston – four Canberra mates wanting to make a difference and do something about the rising rate of male suicide and appreciating the health initiatives led by Menslink.
"That’s the reason why we started the whole thing, to raise awareness about mental health in men particularly who don’t talk to one another as much as they should about their problems," Cooney told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"With the amount of money we were able to give to Menslink, they were able to reach about 3000 young men with their ‘Silence is Deadly’ program. That’s certainly an amazing effort," he said.
This year the organisers are targeting $100,000 through registration fees and donations.
The event starts at 4pm at Deakin Oval 205, Makin Place, Deakin ACT and finishes 24 hours later.
There is also a Corporate Challenge for teams who can’t commit to a 24-hour football match. To get involved, please contact Adam Hobill at [email protected]
Silence is Deadly is a program Menslink runs throughout schools across Canberra, Queanbeyan and Yass, to talk to young guys of all ages, “about the hassles of life”.
Heaps of young guys are doing it tough, with around 1 in 4 suffering from anxiety and depression, but only 1 in 10 talking about it, says Menslink.
TAKE ACTION FOR MEN'S HEALTH
LEARN MORE ABOUT SILENCE IS DEADLY
JOIN OR DONATE TO KICK2KICK
JOIN OUR MALE PREVENTION NETWORK (AMHF)
READ: MALE SUICIDE'S IN AUSTRALIA UP 17% IN 2017 (AMHF)