ON the rugby paddock, the hockey pitch, the netball court, the football oval – players from The Armidale pulled on a single polka-dot sock at fixtures over the weekend for mental health.
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The students wore the special sock to highlight their support for the One Sock One Goal campaign from social agency Batyr which is committed to opening up discussions about mental health, particularly among young people. At the start of every game, a TAS student read out a statement acknowledging the need to have conversations about mental health to help get rid of the stigma.
The initiative was also supported by many of the opposition teams with many also donning the special sock, including all visiting rugby teams from Sydney’s Cranbook School as well as members of Inverell FC who have returned to the Armidale District Football Association competition.
“Adolescence is a particularly challenging time for the mental health of young people as they deal with issues such as self identity and the expectations placed on them by themselves and others,” TAS Director of Pastoral Care Barney Buntine.
“We see it as a natural part of our role to help our students through these issues and help give our parents tools and the resources available that can help equip them to support their sons and daughters.”
The program was managed by the TAS student Batyr Chapter, which meets weekly.
“So many adolescents suffer form mental health, and no-one should have to go through that alone or feel unsupported,” said Will Swales, a member of the student chapter.
