FOOTY fans will be encouraged to ‘Shout’ about beyondblue at the footy this weekend as Hawthorn and Sydney clash in the AFL beyondblue Cup.
This year, fans will be encouraged to donate to beyondblue by simply texting the word ‘beyondblue’ to 0459 400 400, and following a link texted to them to the fundraising website ‘Shout’ or via the Shout app on their phones.
beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett AC said the beyondblue Cup was a successful way to continue raising awareness of depression and anxiety and the work beyondblue does with AFL footy fans across Australia – including fans at the ground and those watching the game on TV and listening on radio.
“The beyondblue Cup is an ideal opportunity for the Hawks and the Swans to enlist the help of what will hopefully be a 60,000-strong crowd for the Saturday night blockbuster to help raise awareness about depression and anxiety,” he said.
“One in six Australians is currently experiencing depression, anxiety, or both so it is vital that we talk about depression and anxiety, reduce stigma, share stories, educate people about signs and symptoms, and assist people to seek help sooner rather than later.”
“We are encouraging everyone to text ‘beyondblue’ to 0459 400 400 and donate while watching these two top teams do battle for the Cup. The money we raise will help us to continue our important work across Australia.”
The beyondblue National Roadshow bus will also be at the MCG between gates two and three, with a National Roadshow mini bus at Federation Square before the beyondblue March to the MCG starts at 6.30 pm.
At Fed Square, beyondblue will run a series of competitions and games, and a panel with beyondblue ambassadors Nathan Thompson (former Hawks and North Melbourne player), Troy Luff (Triple M and Swans) and Brad McEwan (Channel 10) will discuss the importance of looking after your mental health.
Between 5pm and 7pm, more than 100 volunteers will sell the new beyondblue headbands and flashing blue wristbands for the March. The March will leave Federation Square at 6.30pm, and arrive at the MCG at 6.45pm.
Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge said he and his teammates were proud to raise awareness of beyondblue by playing for the beyondblue Cup and encourage men to get support.
“Depression and anxiety affects so many people in Australia and not everyone has support at their fingertips,” he said.
“Here at Hawthorn, we are lucky to have a support system available to us that encourages players and staff to seek support when they need it. beyondblue does great work reducing stigma around depression and anxiety and we urge all footy fans to dig deep and donate so beyondblue can continue its great work.”
Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack also said he and his teammates were proud to take part in the beyondblue Cup this year.
“It is great to be able to take part in the beyondblue cup and raise awareness of depression and anxiety, which affects one in six Australians,” he said.
“The Sydney football club is proud to be able to help reduce stigma and help Australians stay mentally healthy.”
To donate to beyondblue, either text ”beyondblue” to 0459 400 400, download the Shout application from the Apple iStore or visit https://shoutforgood.com/beyondblue.
