FORMER Horsham man Alistair Mitchell has a vision to roll out mental health and welfare programs across the Wimmera’s sporting clubs and businesses.
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Mr Mitchell has launched the company Discovering the Best You, and returned to the city this month to present his company’s program to the AFL Wimmera Mallee commission and Horsham Football and Netball Club members.
The program stemmed from his desire to help clubs and businesses better look after their employees and members.
Mr Mitchell said sports club member welfare was too often a forgotten space.
“It requires meaningful consideration and is usually left in the hands of people unable to help – not from a lack of care, but from a lack of qualifications and understanding,” he said.
“It’s vital in this modern world of distractions and addictions that clubs are supported by the leagues with a ongoing outsourced welfare program that not only helps their members, but also reduces the stress on clubs’ dwindling resources and volunteers.
“After talks with members of the commission, I hope that together we can come up with arrangement to help all concerned and give a meaningful, ongoing contribution to clubs and their members.”
Mr Mitchell also spoke to staff at Smallaire Horsham and visited Horsham College last week in his role with mental health charity LIVIN, where he spoke to more than 850 students about mental health across two days.
“All presentations I deliver are special to me as they help keep me mentally well by sharing my mental health journey. However they also help me empty my emotional cup and reach out to assist as many people as possible,” he said.
“But these presentations were extra special as Horsham is my home town, the place I grew up, the place I took skin off my knees and the place I learnt to live and love.
“So you can only imagine what it felt like standing in front of all these young people, many whom are the children my friends. I spoke in front of some of my peers and dear lifelong friends, along with my family.
“I knew the importance of me being there. I knew how much it would mean to everyone for me to share the truth, to cut through all the crap, and all the layers that they have placed in front of themselves.
“I stood and looked around the room seeing so many faces asking for guidance and help, asking me to take their hand and help them tell their story.
“Only they weren’t asking with their voices, they were asking with their eyes. These people are seeking permission to tell the truth, yet they live in fear of the judgment and stigma that goes with that truth.”
Mr Mitchell said this was something he experienced at most of his presentations.
“I wanted to wrap these young people up and tell them it would be okay,” he said.
“I wanted to pull on my imaginary superhero suit and make it all okay. But I can’t do that – there’s no such fix. In reality the only way we can help is to talk openly and honestly and listen non-judgmentally, and help others by lifting them up and not pushing them down with judgement and fear.
“Education, awareness, understanding and hope – they are words of a community that supports and help one another.”
Mr Mitchell said it was crucial to have hard-hitting conversations.
“When you think something is wrong then it probably is, so ask your friends and family if they are okay,” he said.
In reality the only way we can help is to talk openly and honestly and listen non-judgmentally, and help others by lifting them up and not pushing them down with judgement and fear.
- Alistair Mitchell
“And most importantly, learn to listen with your eyes – pay attention and see the person in front of you.
“I remain hopeful that in the coming weeks and months, I am able to work through the process with the leagues and businesses so that we can deliver a long-term and meaningful welfare and well-being program to everyone in the Wimmera Mallee.
“There are some amazing people in the community doing amazing things in the mental health and well-being space, but until we get rid of judgement, negativity and stigma people won’t reach out and ask for help.”