Rebel and Lifeline Australia have launched a three-year partnership together, with the shared goal of ending suicide in Australia.
The organisations will work together to communicate the benefits of sport and exercise for boosting mental health, while raising funds for Lifeline to continue its work.
According to research, being physically active is associated with lower suicidal ideation, whilst meeting physical activity guidelines has shown to have a protective effect on a person’s suicidal risk.
Additional studies have shown that sport is linked to higher self-esteem, better social skills, fewer depressive symptoms and higher confidence.
The social nature of sport also has positive effects on mental health outcomes, through connection and collaboration with others.
Rebel MD Gary Williams said that the partnership will be communicated through an activation plan across Rebel’s national retail and trade network.
"Rebel is committed to supporting mental health awareness in Australia and we are honoured to be partnering with Lifeline.
"At Rebel, we understand the strong impact that sport and physical activity can have on your mental health and wellbeing.
"Through our deep connection to sport, we can help raise awareness and funds to support Lifeline and the valuable work they do for Australians in need," he said.
Lifeline CEO Colin Seery added that the events of 2020 and 2021 have seen a significant increase in demand for support.
"The compounding trauma of the bushfire crisis and COVID-19 pandemic has seen demand for Lifeline services increase dramatically over the last two years.
"Lifeline crisis support volunteers are fielding calls to our 24-hour telephone crisis line every 30 seconds.
"Lifeline’s partnership with Rebel is a timely opportunity to highlight the positive impact that physical activity and sport can have on people’s mental health.
"This collaboration also hopes to raise awareness and funds for our services, so we can continue to be there for Australians 24/7," he said.
As an official partner of the AFL, Rebel will also support Lifeline and the AFL’s Supporters’ Care Kit, launched in the final round of the Premiership Season.
The Care Kit will help equip supporters to identify people in crisis and provide them with some of the same tools Lifeline’s Crisis Support Volunteers use.
Williams said the tool kit encourages individuals to talk about their mental health on a frequent basis.
"We’re working with Lifeline to normalise open discussions about mental health among teammates, fans and communities across the country.
"It is incredibly important that Australians know that they are not in this alone," he said.