The NSWRL’s Changing Rooms program for 2021 kicked off last week with 160 boys and girls from Under 12 to Under 17 teams at Carlingford Cougars and Como Crocodiles JRLFCs taking part in a four-week program that provides support and education in mental fitness.
The program is facilitated by True Blue Paul Langmack in partnership with expert presenters from industry-accredited mental fitness and well-being networks, with sessions conducted before or after Rugby League training in the changing room or clubhouse.
NSW Women’s Origin player Sarah Togatuki took part in the presentation to the Como Crocodiles girls teams at Yarramundi YMCA where they discussed the importance of speaking up and seeking help.
The changing room programs aims to improve Mental Fitness in youth providing ways to deal with bullying, reducing stigma to depression and anxiety and being able to easily identify and help someone who may be suffering. As the weeks progress youth are provided with valuable tools to assist them and their peers in dealing with difficult conversations and events in their lives.
Langmack endeavours to reach a further 400 youth over the next four months, providing a safe space for all involved in the Rugby League community to talk openly about life’s challenges.
The NSWRL Changing Rooms program will have ventured up as far as the Mid North Coast and New England Areas by mid-July thanks to generous funding from the NSW Government Ministry of Health - Mental Health Branch through the Mental Health Sports Fund grant program.
