Fairfax Community Network is a proud supporter of beyondblue, the national initiative to raise awareness of depression and other mental health issues. Our special stories are designed to highlight the work of beyondblue in the lead-up to Mental Health Awareness Week. For help and information, visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300224636.WE will not be bowled over. This is the message of Sunbury Bowling Club as it becomes part of a beyondblue drive to knock out depression.
The depression awareness organisation has joined forces with the Royal Victorian Bowls Association and the Victorian Ladies' Bowling Association to tackle depression.
John East, Sunbury Bowling Club secretary and RVBA councillor, said the partnership aimed at establishing strong community networks of bowls clubs to raise awareness of depression and anxiety among players, members and the wider community.
"Playing bowls is an effective way of communication with people who are melting away on the inside.
"By being part of a bowling club they can socialise and share their thoughts with 260 bowlers at the club.
"I'm sure every club has got members who are suffering from depression or anxiety."
Mr East said the partnership would kick off in November and run for three years.
beyondblue chief executive Leonie Young said lawn bowls was a social sport that appealed to people of all age groups.
"It is a great way to get exercise - factors that are known to protect against depression," Ms Young said.
"We want everyone to know that depression is a common illness for which help is available.
"With the right treatment, most people recover."
RVBA executive officer Peter Hanlon said the partnership between the bowling clubs and beyondblue was a perfect fit.
"The clubs are very active in their own communities and we span all of the age groups from children to 100-year-olds. Bowls is an inclusive sport in that people with disabilities, both physical and intellectual, regularly participate."
VLBA executive officer Leonie Schulz said the bowling clubs were strong contributors in their communities. She welcomed the opportunity to support the fight against depression.
"We believe that we can be of assistance in an area that is a major health concern across Victoria and Australia and are particularly fortunate in being in the position to reach many of our members in semi-rural areas like Sunbury."
As part of the partnership, all 530 Victorian bowls clubs will receive beyondblue materials. beyondblue will also provide depression awareness training sessions to RVBA and VLBA staff, coaches, umpires and selected players.
The partnership follows a successful similar initiative organised by Wangaratta Bowls Club last year.
Details about the new initiative: phone 1300224636 or the Sunbury Bowling Club, 97441211.
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