Youth Focus was honoured to be invited to attend the Mental Health Clash between the Pinjarra Tigers and Waroona Demons Football Clubs – an event that demonstrated the power of community coming together around a cause that matters deeply.
Our Peel and South West team was excited to be part of the day, connecting with community members and encouraging conversations around mental health.
The event kicked off bright and early, with the women’s league opening proceedings, followed by a full schedule of football matches throughout the day. Youth Focus had the privilege of presenting Best on Ground medals after each game, recognising the outstanding efforts of players across the women’s, colts, reserves, and league matches. We were also welcomed into the change rooms after each game to talk about the importance of mental health, looking out for your mates, and knowing when and how to seek support.
We were grateful to be nominated by the clubs as the beneficiary of the Mental Health Clash, with the local community showing incredible generosity and support. At the final count, almost $3,000 had been raised, with one of the day’s biggest highlights being the dunking machine, where players, coaches, and volunteers bravely took the plunge as community members donated for the chance to see them being dunked. A special shout out to Clay, a Pinjarra Tigers player who not only raised the most funds for his dunking machine appearance, but who has been a consistent and passionate supporter of the M8D8 campaign. Clay has repeatedly stepped forward to speak vulnerably and authentically about men’s mental health on camera, helping de-stigmatising the topic for men and boys in his communities. Youth Focus would like to sincerely thank the Pinjarra and Waroona Football and Netball Clubs, their volunteers, players, supporters, and the wider community for their passion and generosity. It was great to see Alcoa, proud supporters of the M8D8 campaign, also supporting the community event.
Events like the Mental Health Clash bring together community, encouraging the connections and sense of belonging which are so important for mental health.
