A new partnership formed between Basketball WA and Lifeline WA is aimed at engaging with the basketball community to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

As part of the partnership, a workshop will be held at the Bendat Basketball Centre in Floreat, which is set to equip sporting leaders and coaches with the skills and knowledge to support the mental
health of all players.

The ‘Leaders in Basketball Workshop’ being held on June 2 will be facilitated by psychologist Chris Harris, the Mental Health Consultant for Mineral Resources, in association with Lifeline WA.

The event will feature presentations from retired Perth Wildcats player Greg Hire and former Australian test cricketer Brad Hogg.

Lifeline WA chief executive Lorna MacGregor said coaches and other leaders had a unique opportunity to help players with their mental health.

“Coaches and other leaders in sport can play a significant mentorship role in the lives of their players,” she said.

“Giving them the right tools and knowledge is an important step in supporting the mental health of players.

“Lifeline WA is proud to be working with Basketball WA to improve mental health outcomes in the basketball community through this workshop and other initiatives.”

To help raise awareness of mental health issues, Basketball WA will also be hosting a Mental Health Round from June 18 to 20.

As part of this, players and supporters are being encouraged to purchase and wear neon orange socks for games played in this round to raise funds to help Lifeline WA answer more calls from people experiencing crisis.

Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14.