CANBERRA Raiders legend Alan Tongue will be in Bathurst this Friday evening to discuss the importance of identifying mental health issues and supporting one another.
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Tongue makes the trip to the city as part of the NRL's State Of Mind Get In The GAAME program and will take place at the Jack Arrow Sporting Complex.
St Pat's Junior Rugby League club president Tony England said the talk is aimed at helping players become comfortable with discussing their thoughts and feelings.
"It's about helping players identify whether they need any help, or whether some of their friends might need help in that area," he said.
"With what's happened in the local area recently our club and a lot of other clubs feel like it's very important for us to highlight how important mental health is for our young kids."
The program was created by NRL to use the game's profile, clubs and players to help remove the stigma surrounding mental illness, while connecting communities with mental health partners and local service providers.
Friday's first meeting will be for 13 to 17 year olds running from 5pm to 6.30pm and a second discussion will take place immediately afterwards from 6.30pm to 8pm for those 18 and older.
It's very important for us to highlight how important mental health is for our young kids
- Tony England
"That will be for players, coaches and anyone who town who wants to take part," England said.
"There will be a sit down inside for the 13-17 year olds and then they'll spend some time out on the fields as well with some drills.
"For the older age group it will be focused more on having discussions around mental health and identifying troubles in other people."
The discussions are free to attend and will take place at the Saints' clubhouse.
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