Log in

New data reveals local footy clubs are tackling mental health crisis


22 February 2023

SYDNEY, Australia – Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) today marked the launch of the 2023 Tackle Your Feelings season, together with an independent evaluation by Monash University demonstrating the positive impact and success of the mental wellbeing program.

Founded in 2018 by Zurich Insurance, the Z Zurich Foundation, the AFL Coaches Association and the AFL Players’ Association, Tackle Your Feelings is a free mental health education and awareness training program delivered by accredited psychologists and offered to the coaches, members and staff of local AFL community clubs.

Since its inception, the program has impacted the lives of thousands of Australians through its delivery across 850 community clubs, with more than 145,000 players benefiting from their leaders completing the program.

A recent independent academic evaluation of the program by Monash University found, amongst other things, that participants:

  • improved their knowledge of mental health and wellbeing issues by 30 per cent;
  • decreased the level of social stigma associated with mental health issues by two-thirds; and
  • enhanced their knowledge of the resources available to support mental health by more than 20 per cent.

Linda Griffin, Head of Brand, Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Zurich Australia & New Zealand and Tackle Your Feelings Steering Committee Chair said: “Zurich is incredibly proud to have supported Tackle Your Feelings since its inception. There has never been a more important time to prioritise mental health education and support initiatives that improve awareness in the community.”

“The results of this report demonstrate that Tackle Your Feelings is a proven success and, more importantly, provide an encouraging signal of the difference the program will continue to make into the future,” Ms Griffin said.

Barbara Jordan, Z Zurich Foundation Regional Engagement Manager for Asia Pacific said: “At the Z Zurich Foundation, we have a commitment to improving mental wellbeing in communities around the world. Tackle Your Feelings is one of our flagship programs, and we welcome the

new data which confirms its positive impact in community sports clubs in Australia, and communities more broadly. Tackle Your Feelings is an excellent example of many parties collaborating successfully for one common cause.”

Nathan Buckley, former AFL coach and player and Tackle Your Feelings Ambassador said: “It’s an awesome program. It’s so succinct and gives you really practical strategies. It’s a great conversation starter.”

Adam Baldwin, Tackle Your Feelings Program Manager said: “Community football clubs are beginning to understand the responsibility they have to their members to create an environment that prioritises mental health and promotes conversations so that someone who is struggling feels comfortable to ask for help.”

The Tackle Your Feelings research paper was published in the Journal of Mental Health and Prevention and can be accessed here.

-ENDS-
 

Zurich Financial Services Australia is a life insurance, commercial insurance and investments specialist that has been participating in the Australian market since 1920. Since its acquisition of OnePath Life from ANZ in 2019, the company provides life insurance to more than 1.5 million Australian customers under both the Zurich and OnePath Life brands.  Further information about Zurich Financial Services Australia is available at www.zurich.com.au.
 

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, Zurich is transforming insurance. In addition to providing insurance protection, Zurich is increasingly offering prevention services such as those that promote wellbeing and enhance climate resilience.

Reflecting its purpose to ‘create a brighter future together’, Zurich aspires to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. It is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and has the highest-possible ESG rating from MSCI. In 2020, Zurich launched the Zurich Forest project to support reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil.

The Group has about 60,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at www.zurich.com.

About Z Zurich Foundation

At the Z Zurich Foundation, we believe in a world where young people have the tools and resources to improve their mental wellbeing. Throughout the various projects we support, we aim to create a mental wellbeing movement that is helping young people see their feelings for what they are, so they can prevent stress from developing into anxiety.

The Z Zurich Foundation works alongside Zurich Insurance Group employees and other stakeholders as well as with governments and NGOs in pursuit of a future where people can thrive in the face of increasing climate hazards, where those of us feeling the stresses of life are empowered to speak up, and where the marginalized in our society can reach their full potential.

The Z Zurich Foundation is a Swiss-based charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group. It is the main vehicle by which Zurich Insurance Group delivers on its global community investment strategy.

Visit the Z Zurich Foundation’s website to learn more about its work: https://zurich.foundation. Follow the Z Zurich Foundation on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.