“It takes a village to raise a child”: Developing mental health fitness in contemporary youth through community sport using a whole club – village – approach - Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation

“It takes a village to raise a child”: Developing mental health fitness in contemporary youth through community sport using a whole club – village – approach

Flinders University 2021

Researchers: Professor Murray Drummond, Dr Sam Elliott

Mental health among contemporary youth is critical. The role of sport can play a pivotal role in the development of youth mental health fitness. The nature of Australian culture means that most young people pass through a sporting club environment at some point in their lives, and these clubs provide a captive audience to promote mental health fitness from an early age. This research will investigate the role of the whole club in promoting mental fitness to its youth participants.

Acknowledgement of Country

Breakthrough acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We recognise all Australian communities who, through their lived experience, help to guide the research funded by Breakthrough.

Acknowledgement of Lived Experience

Breakthrough acknowledges those with lived experiences of mental illness. Every person’s story is uniquely theirs with their own challenges and triumphs, hopes and dreams; but together, we all share the same desire to live a life of connection, belonging and freedom. We are grateful to those who are willing to share their stories, and for the opportunities to listen.