Mind Set Engage launch rugby ambassadors programme

Mind Set Engage have launched their ambassadors programme for 2024 with an aim to encourage New Zealand’s rugby community to engage in the topic of mental health and wellbeing. 

All Blacks Will Jordan and Anton Lienert-Brown, Black Ferns Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Katelyn Vahaakolo have been selected as ambassadors alongside Blues player Harry Plummer and professional New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe. 

Learn more about them here

All with unique and authentic stories on mental health and wellbeing the six ambassadors will support Mind Set Engage in different ways including workshop delivery support and social media content. 

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager Nathan Price said the ambassadors were chosen based on their committment to mental health education, awareness and advocacy in the rugby community.  

“Our ambassadors will help us make mental health information more accessible to our wider rugby communities by providing key messages about how people can look after their wellbeing and how to support others. 

“Their work also helps get the word out that there is a specific rugby-related mental health programme that this available to access no matter where they are in the country,” Price said. 

Price said having recognisable rugby ambassadors speak to the kaupapa helps reduce the stigma of mental health.

“Having our role models share their journeys, vulnerabilities and lived experiences publicly shows our rugby whānau that it’s okay to not be okay. It also highlights that mental-ill-health or poor wellbeing doesn’t discriminate, it can impact all of us at some stage of our lives no matter our backgrounds or occupation,” Price said. 

Mind Set Engage is NZR’s mental wellbeing programme that supports players, coaches, rugby staff, volunteers and whānau to improve their own mental wellbeing and provide tools to help others. The programme operates across the country delivering face-to-face workshops and providing resources seeing significant success. 

Find out more via mindsetengage.co.nz. 

Feeling a bit off?

Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. One in five Kiwis experience some form of stress, anxiety or depression. The rugby community is no different. Mind. Set. Engage can help: www.mindsetengage.co.nz

Need help right now?

1737 NEED TO TALK? A free call and text service for New Zealanders feeling down, anxious, overwhelmed or just need to chat to someone, 1737.

LIFELINE: Nationwide 24-hour, 7 days a week counselling service. Free to call 0800 543 354.

DEPRESSION HELPLINE: Talk to a trained counsellor who can discuss your situation and find you the right support/tautoko. Free to call 24/7 on 0800 111 757.

ANXIETY LINE: Provide support and help around understanding anxiety and people’s experiences. Free call available 24/7 on 0800 269 4389.

THE LOWDOWN: A website to help understand depression and anxiety from their own perspectives. Get in touch with a trained counsellor by free txt 5626.

YOUTH LINE: Free, confidential and non-judgemental youth service. Free to call, 0800 376 633 or free text 234.