The need to work together to combat mental health is regional areas is a lot like working together on the sporting field and that’s what makes the Get Talkin’ Tour so important for Josh Wiseman.
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A program manager at mental health organisation Batyr, Wiseman has been part of the tour throughout country NSW and stopped in at Dubbo on Saturday for the latest clinic.
Wiseman and other figures with Batyr and NSW Rugby helped create ambassadors for the program on Saturday, hearing stories from members of the community before helping them and others within rugby clubs learn the tools needed to help their mates.
“Starting the conversation is important but empowering communities through these ambassadors is powerful,” he said.
“Sporting clubs, particularity in regional areas, are a real hub and area of community engagement.
“It’s about getting together on a regular basis and having that captivated audience.
“There’s the parallels between playing for a footy club, too. If you are left on your own you can get wiped out.
“You need to have that support on the field so why can’t you have it off it?”
The organisation Batyr is named after the Asian elephant who could speak, and helping people start the conversation with others is what the tour was all about.
It continues this week with stops at Walgett and Narrabri while further work is already planned.
“We really want to have a sustained impact, not just be a flash in the pan,” Wiseman said.