THE Port Adelaide Football Club is proud to announce a partnership with Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation aimed at addressing mental health challenges within South Australia.
With a shared commitment to improving mental health outcomes and a strong focus on supporting First Nations peoples, the collaboration aims to make an impact on the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Both the club and Breakthrough Mental Health Research recognise the pressing need for culturally appropriate mental health support services for First Nations communities.
By joining forces, they aim to address the unique challenges faced by indigenous individuals, including intergenerational trauma, social inequality, and the stigma surrounding mental health.
The rate of First Nations people reporting ‘high or very high’ levels of psychological distress are 2.3 times the rate for non-Indigenous Australians.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing mental health support for First Nations communities in South Australia. By combining the passion, expertise, and resources of both organisations, the aim is to create meaningful and lasting change, reducing the disparities in mental health outcomes, and foster stronger, more resilient communities.
Port Adelaide Football Club Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Richardson said he’s proud of the partnership and the outcomes it will work to achieve.
“The Port Adelaide Football Club is proud to partner with Breakthrough Mental Health Research,” he said.
“Our shared values provide a great platform to support and drive meaningful change in advancing the mental health support for First Nations communities.
“Port Adelaide is extremely proud of the contribution First Nations players have made for our club on-field for nearly 100 years, as well as the life changing work our people do in the community through programs such as the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup.
“This partnership with Breakthrough Mental Health Research allows us to further extend the important role we play in changing the lives of First Nation peoples.
“This weekend during Port Adelaide’s match against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval, Breakthrough Mental Health Research will receive $250 from every goal kicked thanks to the generous support of our joint major partner, GFG.
“We look forward to building this partnership with Breakthrough Mental Health Research and raising more funds to support this important work in our community”.
Breakthrough’s CEO, John Mannion shares the importance of the new partnership.
"This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to combine the strengths of our organisations and make a real difference in the lives of South Australians First Nations peoples,” he said.
“By working closely together, we can develop a better understanding of how to support wellbeing and resilience."
Fans in attendance at Port Adelaide’s clash against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval this Saturday will be encouraged to buy a Breakthrough beanie and donate to help fund $15,000 worth of research into mental health.
Click here to donate to the Breakthrough Mental Health Foundation now.
