Melbourne Storm has announced a new partnership with AIA Australia joining the club as its Official Mental Health Partner and Health Insurance Partner.
A statement from the two organisations says that united by a shared commitment to destigmatise men’s mental health and create lasting change, both within the game and across the broader community, Melbourne Storm and AIA Australia have collaborated with Beyond Blue “..to tackle outdated ideas of ‘toughness’ and stigma that can prevent men from speaking up and seeking help earlier.”
As part of the partnership, Melbourne Storm and AIA Australia have launched the club’s inaugural Mental Health Round, under the banner of Tackle Tough Together, supported by Beyond Blue.
The two organisations says the partnership will take centre stage when Melbourne Storm hosts the Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park in Round 16 on Sunday 21 June “…using the power of rugby league to encourage conversations around men’s mental health and challenge outdated ideas of what it means to be tough.”
They say Tackle Tough Together is a simple call to action to inspire people to check in on their mates, speak up during challenging times and seek support when they need it.
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski says the partnership with AIA Australia and the launch of Tackle Tough Together reflected the club’s ambition to create a lasting and meaningful impact.
…we want to encourage important conversations, challenge outdated perceptions around masculinity and mental health…
“As a Club, we have a responsibility to use our platform to drive positive change. Together with AIA Australia, we want to encourage important conversations, challenge outdated perceptions around masculinity and mental health, and reinforce that seeking support is a sign of strength.”
AIA Australia CEO and Managing Director, Damien Mu, says the company is proud to partner with Melbourne Storm to empower members and fans to take care of both their physical and mental wellbeing.
“As a health insurer, we believe we have a responsibility to be more than a payer of claims, we want to help change the narrative around mental health in Australia. Through Tackle Tough Together, we’re working to normalise seeking support and encourage more people to speak up.”
Click here to learn more about the campaign and the Mental Health Round activity.
