New Zealand Rugby has launched a ground-breaking partnership with Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) aimed at improving mental health and well-being in the community.
NZR’s mental health and wellbeing program Mind. Set. Engage. will expand to five regions under the partnership, with delivery in Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Canterbury and Southland.
The program supports players, coaches, rugby staff, volunteers and whanau to improve their mental health while also providing them with the tools to aid others.
Chief executive Mark Robinson says the initiative is something NZR is really passionate about, and hopes its expansion can have a lasting effect on the community.
“Rugby is in every community across New Zealand and it can play an active role in making a significant difference to the mental health and wellbeing of Kiwis,” Robinson said in a press release.
“We want the game to be a force for good in our country and this is something we’re incredibly passionate about.
“We’re seeing the program significantly reducing the negative perceptions around mental health and increasing the number of people who feel comfortable to seek help for themselves and support others.
“Rugby can be proud of that.”
Set up in 2017, Mind. Set. Engage. operates across the country and has already seen huge success in mentality shifts towards seeking and receiving help within the rugby community.
CEO Riana Manuel says the partnership is reflective of NZR’s efforts to create positive shifts in mental health and wellbeing.
“Everything we do focuses on uplifting our whānau and building resilience in our communities,” Manuel said.
“We see this partnership as an opportunity to expand and encourage good mental health by creating environments where seeking help is acceptable, stigma is reduced, and our rangatahi and whānau feel supported.”
Where to get help:
Lifeline (open 24/7): 0800 543 354
Depression Helpline (open 24/7): 0800 111 757
Healthline (open 24/7): 0800 611 116
Samaritans (open 24/7): 0800 726 666
Youthline (open 24/7): 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz