Backing a mental health lifesaver
This summer and beyond the Woolamai Surf Beach Life Saving Club is ramping up efforts to ensure young people aren’t out of their depth, not just amongst the waves, but also when it comes to mental health.
The club’s new mental health initiative, backed by a $3,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Sporting Club Grants is helping to turn the tide.
The project aims to deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training to up to 25 volunteers at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, including patrol members, coaches, and committee members.
The training equips participants with essential skills to recognise and respond to mental health issues, particularly among young people.
The course is facilitated by Open Door, who have successfully delivered YMHFA training in partnership with Life Saving Victoria and Waratah Beach SLSC over the past four years.
The training includes eLearning licenses, practical examples, activities, discussions, and a full-day in-person session. Participants gain accreditation for three years.
The project kicked off in January this year, with the goal of equipping volunteers with the skills they need for the remainder of the summer patrol season.
The club’s Head of Member Wellbeing Erin Close said, ‘Lifesavers have to respond and are tasked with many challenging incidents.’
‘This grant will ensure our members are up-skilled in understanding how mental health affects us all.’
‘The course will also aid our members in maintaining resilience during training and patrols will help educate our members on how to support one another and themselves, ensuring that mental health is also a priority in our lifesaving efforts.’
The Sporting Club Grants Program has provided more than $18 million to thousands of community sport and recreation clubs just like the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club across the state over the past decade.
In this round there is a strong focus on supporting, celebrating and building the capacity of volunteers so that they can continue to play a vital role, from administration to coaching and umpiring.
The program is backed by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund that’s delivering infrastructure upgrades and other programs including the Regional Community Sport Infrastructure Fund to help more regional Victorians get active and be part of their local sporting club.
By providing more opportunities for clubs and organisations to build on their capabilities, this program goes a long way towards future proofing grassroots sport and recreation and ensuring clubs have the skills they need.
To find out more on how the grants can help your club visit Sporting Club Grants.