rebel and its partners support Mental Health Week with donation of $500,000 to Lifeline

In support of Mental Health Week (10th-17th October 2021), rebel and its partners are donating $500,000 to Lifeline following reports of a 25% increase in the volume of calls from people in crisis during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The funds will help continue to meet the needs of the growing number of Australians seeking mental health support.

rebel and Lifeline Australia have entered into a three-year partnership with the shared goal of creating a suicide-free Australia. The partnership recognises the transformative power of sport and its positive impact on mental health and suicide prevention. The organisations will work together to inspire every Australian to increase their physical activity to help manage their mental health, while raising funds for Lifeline to continue their critical work.

Experts say sport and physical activity is a critical aid for tackling mental health concerns. According to research, being physically active is associated with lower suicidal ideation while meeting physical activity guidelines has shown to have a protective effect on a person’s suicidal risk.

Studies have also found that participation in sport is linked to higher self-esteem, better social skills, fewer depressive symptoms and higher confidence. The social nature of team sport is associated with better mental health outcomes, through connection and collaboration with others. rebel’s ongoing commitment to empower every Australian to experience the transformative power of sport is in perfect alignment with Lifeline’s mission now more than ever.

Lifeline’s Head of Crisis Services, Rachel Bowes highlighted how sport and exercise is an accessible aid to support our mental wellbeing “Physical activity is a powerful antidote to those suffering emotional distress; sport and exercise can have significant positive effects on mental health and suicide prevention. This is why many of our crisis supporters will discuss physical exercise as one tool for improving mental wellbeing.”

Lifeline Chief Executive, Colin Seery notes “the compounding trauma of the bushfire crisis and COVID-19 pandemic has seen demand for Lifeline services increase dramatically over the last two years. Lifeline Crisis Support volunteers are fielding calls to our 24-hour telephone crisis line every 30 seconds.

“The donation from rebel and its partners is timely and much-needed so we can continue to be there for Australians 24/7.”

rebel’s Managing Director Gary Williams adds “at rebel we believe in the transformative power of sport and we are committed to helping the lives of millions experiencing emotional distress, using physical activity as a powerful antidote.

“As we slowly ease back into team activities and sports, we hope the donation from rebel and our partners can support the mental health of Australians.”

For more information, visit rebelsport.com.au//lifeline-mental-health-week