Football
13 August, 2025
Taylors Lake shine light on mental health
On Saturday, August 8, Taylors Lake Football Netball Club hosted a mental health awareness round, honouring past players and club members.
The event was spearheaded by club member Kristy Kelly, who sought to raise awareness about mental health within the football community and the wider region.
This initiative followed a tragic period for the club, with five suicides impacting its members over the past 20 months, including Kelly's husband and club stalwart, John 'JK' Kelly.
“The club really supported the kids and me through that time and have been like a steady rock,” Kelly said.
“Unfortunately we’ve had five suicides of men in the last 20 months who had connections with or played with Taylors Lake, which is just too much.
“We also have Jason Weir, who passed away about six years before that.
“I really wanted to do something with a focus on men’s mental health and mental health in general.”
Before the start of the senior football game, family members of those who had died by suicide walked through a guard of honour of Taylors Lake and Rupanyup players, holding photos of those who had lost their battle.
Players throughout the day also donned blue armbands to boost awareness.
Prior to holding a minute's silence as tribute, mental health ambassador Justin Knorpp addressed the crowd, emphasising the importance of people reaching out if they are struggling or offering support to others.
“It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay that way,” Knorpp said in his address.
“Speak up, reach out to family, friends, myself or a mental health hotline.
“Footy-netball clubs are also a great place to talk to someone.
“It’s more important than ever that we stick together, speak up and have that conversation should you need it.”
Kelly said that by bringing more awareness to mental health struggles and what supports were available, hopefully, more lives could be saved.
“It's just knowing the options that are out in the community as well to support people,” Kelly said.
“If we can just save one person, that's what my aim is.”
If you require mental health support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or reach out to your GP.
