Cricket legend and Lifeline WA ambassador Brad Hogg will step up to deliver a positive message around mental health at a free event in Exmouth this month.

Hogg will share the story of his cricket career and his personal struggles with mental health issues in the hope of breaking down some of the stigmas surrounding mental health and suicide.

The trip to Exmouth, which will take place during Mental Health Week from October 9-16, aims to raise awareness of Lifeline WA’s crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Exmouth locals are invited to attend the free ‘Barefoot Bowls and Burgers with Brad’ event on October 13, where they can hear Hogg share his story, enjoy a burger and kick off their shoes for a game of bowls.

“I’ll be sharing my story in an informal setting, which I hope will encourage people to feel comfortable sharing their own stories around mental health,” he said.

“I hope by normalising life’s struggles, and encouraging people to be open, it makes an impact. Life is imperfect, like weather, but it always turns around for the better.”

Hogg will also visit Exmouth District High School with Lifeline WA community engagement coordinator and volunteer Lifeline WA crisis supporter Brooke Haseldine.

Ms Haseldine said she hoped hearing Brad Hogg deliver the message about positive mental health would make an impact on the students.

“Having someone who’s reached the highest levels of sport talk about the importance of mental health goes a long way to reducing the stigma around discussing it,” she said.

“We’ll speak to the students about how to recognise signs that they or their friends might be struggling, and to encourage them to reach out for help when needed.

“We want them to know that they are never alone, and that help is always a phone call away if they need it.”

The community event is being hosted by the Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Lifeline WA’s longtime corporate partner Santos.

“Santos understands the importance of supporting the mental health of its people and the people within the communities in which we operate,” Brett Darley, Chief Operating Officer, Upstream Oil and Gas, said.

“Through work with organisations like Lifeline WA and ambassadors like Brad Hogg, we can continue to reduce the stigma around mental health and start conversations that will save lives.”

‘Barefoot Bowls and Burgers with Brad’ kicks off at 5.30pm on October 13 at Exmouth Bowling Club.