2022 NBL1 Mental Health Round begins tonight

The Coles Express NBL1 will partner with Lifeline Australia for a second consecutive year to host the league-wide NBL1 Mental Health Round from June 17-19.
 
Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help, making the NBL1’s partnership with Lifeline an essential relationship to support people in need all over Australia.
 
Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 41 centres around the nation and providing 24/7 telephone, text and webchat services.
 
The NBL1 has partnered with Lifeline for the NBL1 Mental Health Round with a dedicated fundraising text code. To donate, text NBL1 to 0488 822 250.
 
The NBL1’s nation-wide reach, playing in all eight States and Territories, allows the clubs, the league and Lifeline to spread awareness around mental health and ways to support yourself, or others struggling with the pressures of life.
 
Players across many of our conferences will be wearing orange socks, not only as an awareness strategy, but a vital fundraising initiative, with all the profits going to Lifeline Australia.
 
In addition, many clubs are getting involved in this year’s The Push Up Challenge, Australia’s largest fitness-based mental health event, and a major fundraising activity for Lifeline, who are a key beneficiary.
 
Participants are taking on 3,139 push-ups across 24 days in June, putting the spotlight on the tragic number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2020. Thousands of Australians from all ages and walks of life participate in the free event which engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity and education and raises funds and awareness for mental health.
 
NBL1 General Manager Dean Anglin says continuing the partnership between the NBL1 and Lifeline is a proud moment for the clubs and the league.
 
“Mental health is one of the biggest issues facing Australians right now and we know our players, coaches and officials are not immune to the challenges,” he said.
 
“As a truly national competition, we aim to reach those in need across the country and ensure they are aware of, and have access to the services they need. Our clubs have been exceptional in helping raise awareness of mental health issues and our players have been outstanding in telling their own stories.
 
“We thank Lifeline for partnering with us in this year’s Mental Health Round.”
 
Lifeline CEO Colin Seery welcomed the generous support of the Coles Express NBL1 and said it was an important way of spreading awareness of where to go and how to ask for help when you or someone you know are struggling.
 
“We are excited to have the support of the NBL1 again this year. For many of us, sport and community play key roles in how we connect with each other and support each other,” he said.
 
“Our trained Crisis Supporters are ready and waiting day and night to listen without judgement, chat about your needs, worries and feelings and work with you to explore the best ways to stay safe and get support in your community.”
 
You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days), text 0477 131 114 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au (24 hours/7 days).