Swans Tackle Mental Health

The Swan Districts Football Club launched its Outside The Locker Room (OTLR) wellbeing program at the club last night. OTLR is a mental health education and welfare support program designed by Jake Edwards. It’s been developed in partnership with mental health and youth services and delivered in local sporting clubs, school and community groups via a series of interactive workshops.

At Swans we acknowledge that mental health is a significant and increasing concern in the community we belong. Our club is not immune to these challenges and has decided to take a proactive approach to assist all Swans people in the organisation to be the best they can.  This includes football, administration and community staff, all male and female football players, and club volunteers.

Education sessions will include gambling and alcohol, online and social media training, and drug and mental health education. There will also be a session educating coaching and support staff to identify challenges and manage and support players on and off the field. At the conclusion of the program, participants, along with their parents, families and community members, will have a greater understanding of symptoms, stress-points and adverse environments that can lead to mental illness or destructive behaviour.

Jake Edwards played for Carlton in the AFL and had a sever battle with depression. “I found myself in a dark, dark place, a dark hole, and the only way I thought I could get out was through suicide” Jake recalls. “Obviously it wasn’t successful. Then my old man called me five minutes later and I took the call that saved my life.”

Jake’s story is obviously personal. But he says the themes of his downfall, and the temptations available, are reflected for every young AFL or WAFL player.

Jake will help facilitate the sessions with our senior men’s playing group followed by the colts and then our women’s teams.