Choose Your Check-In: A New Tool Helping South Australians Start Life-Saving Conversations
During Mental Health Month this October, Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and Health Partners have joined forces to help South Australians take a small but powerful step — checking in on someone who might be doing it tough.
Together, the two leading South Australian not-for-profits have launched ‘Choose Your Check-In’, a free online tool designed to make it easier to start meaningful mental health conversations and keep them going.
An initiative of Health Partners and Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, the digital resource has been developed in consultation with local mental health experts and is tailored to the South Australian community.
Each year, one in five South Australians will experience a mental illness, and approximately 43 per cent of adults will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Tragically, nine people die by suicide every day in Australia.
A tool for every South Australian
One of the most decorated SANFL footy players, two-time Magarey Medallist and dual Sturt premiership captain, Zane Kirkwood, is now a big mental health advocate.
Zane Kirkwood
“When I faced my own challenges early in my footy career, I wish I’d known about an online tool where I could check-in with myself or a mate could use about how I was going,” Zane says.
“Opening up wasn’t easy, but checking in with a mate helped me through.”
“That’s why the Choose Your Check-In tool is so powerful. It encourages people to start the conversation on how you’re doing and helps normalise mental health for everyone.”
Health Partners Chief Executive Officer Jon Goodgame says the leading South Australian not-for-profit health insurer is committed to supporting South Aussies’ mental health and has been caring for locals’ health for over 85 years.
Jon Goodgame
“We’ve partnered with mental health professionals and Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation to develop and launch this innovative online check-in tool that is free and drives real impact. It provides trusted, comprehensive guidance to help you take the first steps if you’re concerned about someone’s mental wellbeing.”
“Whether it’s a message you’ve been meaning to reply to or a mate you haven’t seen in a while, this tool helps you reach out and make it count.”
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Chief Executive Officer John Mannion says partnering with Health Partners is about reaching South Australians and showing that mental health conversations don’t have to be complicated.
John Mannion
“The Choose Your Check-In tool makes it simple to ask the right questions, listen, and know where to turn for support. It’s about helping mates look out for mates, families checking in on each other, and making sure no one feels like they have to do it alone.”
Choose Your Check-in is designed to support everyday South Australians with:
- A simple step-by-step guide to checking in
- Conversation starters and follow-ups
- Support options and emergency contact information
- Practical ways to boost your own wellbeing
“Reaching out can make all the difference and a lot can happen in 24 hours. This is about helping people feel confident enough to ask, listen, and stay connected because these small moments can save lives,” Mr Goodgame says.
