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ith the continual decline in mental health as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the AFL, alongside the Western Bulldogs, has linked with Lifeline Australia to launch a new campaign at Marvel Stadium on Friday 20 August.

AFL CEO, Gillon McLachlan said: “The health and wellbeing of everyone in our game and the wider community remain paramount and we are proud to work together with Lifeline and the Western Bulldogs on this important initiative,” McLachlan said.

“Our mental health is as equally vital to our wellbeing as our physical health and is not only important to look after and manage how you feel but to also check in regularly on those around you and close to you.

“We encourage supporters to donate to Lifeline and download the Supporters Care Pack, which aims to arm football fans with the knowledge to look out for themselves and for one another.

“We may all support different teams, but when it comes to mental health, we’re all on the same team.”

Lifeline Australia CEO, Colin Seery, said: “We are beyond thrilled to launch the We’re All Mental Health Supporterscampaign alongside our partners – the Wester Bulldogs and AFL.

“This year, we as Australians continue to face challenges day-in-day-out as COVID-19 tries to take hold of our communities.

“Over the past few weeks, Lifeline has seen records broken for the highest volume of calls in our history, as our mental health workers continue to work tirelessly – to ensure that nobody in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone,” Mr Seery Said.

“The Campaign highlights no matter what team you support, or who you are playing for; we are united when it comes to tackling mental health,” he said.

“We are appealing to fans, supporters, and beyond through the, We’re All Mental Health Supporters campaign to show their support and help fund a Lifeline Crisis supporter to be there for those who need it most.

“Through the partnership, we’ve also created a Supporter’s Care Kit available to players, coaches and anyone who’s in need of help or guidance on managing those difficult conversations about mental distress.”