The Wellbeing champions program
The wellbeing champion was a program between the AFLNT and headspace Darwin launched at the start of last season. The program set out to select passionate individuals who players can go to in need of support with their wellbeing and mental health. Many things happen off the field we need help with and we often are unsure of who we can turn too. This website aims to be the link between players and service providers that can further support, as well information on mental health and wellbeing!
Struggling away from the footy field?

Mental Health vs Mental Illness
Being mentally healthy is about being able to work and/or study to your full potential, cope with day-to-day stresses, be involved in your community, and live your life in a free and satisfying way. A person who has good mental health has good emotional and social wellbeing and the capacity to cope with changes and challenges.
Most of the time, metal illness doesn't just appear out of nowhere. There are early signs we can look out for that you may be developing mental health difficulties. These include:
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Not enjoying or wanting to be involved in things you'd normally do or enjoy
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Changes in what you eat/not eating or sleeping patterns
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Getting angry easy or having problems with family and friends for no reason
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Find yourself not performing your best at school/work
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Being involved in risky behaviour that you'd normally avoid like taking drugs or drinking too much
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Feeling down or sad and you're unsure why
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Feeling like things aren't right
For more information on mental health or mental illness please go to: https://headspace.org.au/young-people/what-is-mental-health/
There are many services in the Northern Territory that can help you look after your wellbeing.
If you need support around things like:
- Bullying
- Relationship break downs
- Alcohol and other drug usage
- Domestic Violence
- Homelessness
- Emergency relief
- Mental Health problems
- Physical health problems
- Sexual assault
- Gambling
There's always a service that can help. To have a look, go to: https://ntcoss.org.au/directory/
Don't feel like talking to someone in person? eheadspace could be an option for you.
eheadspace provides online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends. If you’re based in Australia and going through a tough time, eheadspace can help: https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
Helping a friend or family member through a hard time can be really difficult. For further information and tips on how you can better support a loved one, go to https://headspace.org.au/friends-and-family/life-issues/
Cameron Ilett and Shannon Rioli discuss mental health
Maintaining your mental health is just as important as maintaining your physical health. Like our bodies, our minds need training too! But unlike training your body, it’s not always obvious what you can do to train your mind.
Emergency Assistance
If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or others please click on https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/mental-health/24-hour-mental-health-hotlines for further information.
If you require emergency assistance, please call emergency services on 000.