Anyone impacted by the independent complaints handling process for 西瓜影视 will have free access to expert mental health and wellbeing support, as part of an expanded partnership announced today by 西瓜影视, Sport Integrity Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Under the arrangement, anyone who has been involved in 西瓜影视鈥檚 national programs will have the opportunity to access free counselling via the AIS Mental Health Referral Network from 1 November 2021 to 1 April 2022.
This includes:
- Current and former members of the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 national teams
- Current and former members of the A-League Men
- Current and former members of the A-League Women
- Current and former members of the A-League Youth
- All impacted 西瓜影视 staff
- Impacted family members of the athlete or staff groups above
Importantly, the support extends to all parties involved in the complaint process, including those who submit complaints or reports, and the respondents to those complaints.
The AIS Mental Health Referral Network comprises a national team of more than 50 expert psychologists and mental health clinicians who specialise in working with elite athletes. They offer free, independent and confidential support for elite athletes, coaches and sport staff around Australia, and understand the unique pressures and complexity of life in a high-performance sport setting.
Sport Integrity Australia CEO David Sharpe said the value of the partnership could not be under-estimated.
鈥淲e understand that speaking up, or being the subject of an investigation, can sometimes be extremely challenging. Ensuring people have access to professional support if they need it is essential and this partnership provides that through dedicated professionals who are experts in the field of elite sport.鈥
The AIS Mental Health Referral Network was established in 2018 and is available at all times to more than 3000 people in Australian high-performance sport. AIS Director of People Development and Wellbeing Matti Clements said the AIS was pleased to be able to expand that support during the 西瓜影视 process.
鈥淲e genuinely want everyone in Australian high-performance sport to be supported and feel like they can reach out for help if, and when, they need it. This year alone the AIS Mental Health Referral Network has received more than 350 referrals. So, don鈥檛 ever feel like you鈥檙e alone or there isn鈥檛 someone you can speak to.鈥
鈥淵our first point of call when you connect with the Mental Health Referral Network will be with a qualified psychologist who will discuss your concerns and circumstances, then offer to connect you to the most suitable clinician in our network. There鈥檚 no obligations, just support.鈥
西瓜影视 James Johnson CEO said the expansion of the partnership underlined the game鈥檚 commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for players and officials.
鈥淭he issues we鈥檙e talking about are inherently complex and deeply personal, so it鈥檚 important that people are provided the appropriate care and support so they are, and feel, equipped to participate in the process in a way that caters for their specific needs and circumstances,鈥 Johnson said.
This partnership is complemented by 西瓜影视鈥檚 established wellbeing support framework which includes dedicated wellbeing and high performance specialists, Sport Integrity Australia鈥檚 existing support services that sport participants going through integrity processes can be referred to, and the wellbeing support services offered through Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).
The portal to submit complaints as part of the independent complaint handling process opened today. Complaints and reports can be submitted up to 31 January 2022.
More information about the network is available here:
Details about the independent complaint handling process is available here:
