Sharks focus on mental health as part of wellbeing initiative

A wellbeing program aimed at improving the mental health of Shellharbour Sharks footy players' has officially kicked off.

More than 150 players from the club will take part in the new mental health wellbeing program as part of a community partnership between Healthier Illawarra Men, The Shellharbour Club, the Sharks and The Man Walk.

Players, coaches and members of both organisations met at the club on Tuesday for the official launch of the program.

Shellharbour Club CEO Jason Petrolo said the wellbeing program offered plenty of positives for all involved.

“I have talked to experienced individuals through The Man Walk and HSE Global, who are the biggest in Australia in terms of how we present ourselves in front of a sporting organisation.

“We will ask questions after the event and see how it has improved, and we can refine it, being its first program.”

The Man Walk CEO Mark Burns said the approach is beneficial to all sports clubs and community groups.

“Side-by-side walks with blokes are really effective,” Mark said. "We [men] are not always good with face-to-face sharing, but having a bit of a walk, a chat over coffee and a side-by-side walk is a really good way to connect.

“I think that group collaboration, walking and talking and also the mental fitness education that we’re now offering.” 

Alongside the program, Shellharbour Sharks players will wear new jerseys for the Group 7 Rugby League’s annual Mental Health Awareness Round in their home game at Ron Costello Oval this Sunday, August 29. 

The jerseys will feature sponsors' names – including The Man Walk and HSE Global – as well as inspiring quotes from players.

Shellharbour Sharks' player Jessica Rosskelly said the jerseys will "open up a conversation" about mental health.

“And if they help just one person, I think the club has really done its job.”

Shellharbour Sharks' player Keiran Morrissey said the message behind the program is “much bigger than the game itself”.

“What happens on the field doesn’t always stay on the field, so it's really good to be able to promote that and support each other as brothers and the club in general,” Keiran said.

“It’s a great initiative. I’m really excited to represent the different groups, taking the field with my brothers and supporting them in more ways than just on the field.”

As founder of the Man Walk, Mark Burns said he was looking forward to seeing mental health messages be represented by the Sharks this weekend.

“I’m really excited for the weekend, and it's my first time working for the Sharks, and it's just amazing, and the jerseys look fantastic – can’t wait to see all the players playing in them,” Mark said.

Shellharbour Sharks' player Donte Efaraimo said he feels supported by the club on and off the pitch, which allows him to play to his best.

“It means a lot to know that the people I’m with every week and every weekend have backing behind me and my mates – to support us as individuals and as a playing group,” Donte said.

“Not only are they looking out for us and thinking about us, but it takes a lot of weight off our shoulders to be able to go out there for the club and put our best foot forward.”