Brindabella Labor MLA Joy Burch, Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson and Vikings Group CEO Anthony Hill in the support room at Erindale Vikings. Photo: Supplied.
The local Tuggeranong community has been provided with a dedicated Lifeline support room at Erindale Vikings, which will provide access to confidential Lifeline support and counselling for people dealing with a range of wellbeing issues.
The room will be a quiet space where users can access Lifeline support, as well as Lifeline support packs and a fridge with cold non-alcoholic beverages.
Erindale Vikings is the first organisation in Canberra to provide a dedicated support room for struggling Canberrans to seek support.
Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson believes the room will not only help the club’s members with personal issues but will also provide the chance to highlight the prominence of mental health in the ACT.
“One thing we do know is that we are not immune as individuals. Things do happen and knowing that you have a community organisation out there that has created a space where people can seek support and get back to being well,” Ms Leeson said.
“This initiative provides a safe space for individuals to engage support. It is an acknowledgement that members of our community face crises and the Vikings Group is committed to removing barriers to care and support.
“This room will provide a quiet and anonymous space for individuals to seek help when struggling, be it with mental illness, domestic violence or safety. Any avenue to reach and support people who may be facing wellbeing issues is imperative.”
The dedicated support room is one of a number of initiatives to be implemented as part of Vikings Group’s Harm Minimisation Program which offers mental health and wellbeing support to patrons and staff. As part of the harm minimisation program, Vikings Group staff undergo training from Lifeline Canberra to effectively support and monitor its membership.
Vikings Group CEO Anthony Hill said the room was an opportunity for the group to provide wider support to its members, ensuring people can get help from trained professionals in a safe and private space.
“It’s important for us to help our members in a practical way in all that we do, and we understand our role is ongoing in helping people address wellbeing issues,” he said.
The room is part of Erindale Vikings’ new state of the art refurbishment which has been completed after 12 months of construction.
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