Thick & Thin Round returns to the VAFA

Thick and Thin Round is set to return in Round 16 this year as the VAFA player-driven initiative aims to continue to help raise awareness of men’s mental health issues and normalise those concerns by encouraging teammates to start a conversation.

36 VAFA clubs wore light and dark blue-coloured socks last year, with more than $1800 in proceeds going towards mental health organisation, Headspace.

Co-founder and University Blacks midfielder, Simon Hogan, says the support for last year’s Thick and Thin Round was outstanding as clubs understood the need for improved mental health awareness in the VAFA.

“We need to build on last year’s event by getting more clubs involved and increasing mental health discussions at clubs and in the community,” he says.

Thick and Thin has recently partnered with Mental Health Education Group in a bid to provide club officials and players with the opportunity to receive a qualification in mental health first aid via a short course.

“The partnership provides clubs and players with a really tangible element to the Thick and Thin Round,” Hogan says.

“Funds raised this year will go directly to supporting this partnership in an effort to improve mental health literacy across the VAFA.

“This is an incredibly exciting partnership for everyone involved.”

For players and clubs looking to be involved in Thick and Thin Round, please email expressions of interest to [email protected] or use the ‘Contact Us’ page on their brand new website http://www.thickandthin.com.au/#thick-and-thin.

Players from all clubs are encouraged to follow Thick and Thin on social media and use the hashtag #StartTheConvo.