Basketball Victoria is proud to announce its support for SmackTalk, an initiative founded by Wayne Holdsworth to help educate as many people as possible on how to start a difficult conversation to help save lives.

Wayne Holdsworth, a highly respected member of the Victorian basketball community and CEO of Frankston and District Basketball Association for over five years, created SmackTalk in early 2024 following the tragic loss of his son Mac, to suicide. Recognising the critical need for mental health support and suicide prevention, Holdsworth approached Basketball Victoria to help advocate for this worthy cause.

"SmackTalk provides suicide prevention education to ensure that more and more people are aware of the signs to look for, the questions to ask, and the specific listening skills required to be a good colleague, friend, and family member," said Holdsworth. "We are delighted to be partnering with Basketball Victoria as the peak governing body in the state for basketball, as it provides a partnership between sport and suicide prevention. Because we all know the benefits of sports and the positive impact it has on mental fitness."

Holdsworth continues, "I could have taken three paths after Mac passed away – end my life, live a shallow life and just get through each day and blame everybody, or the third path: take Mac’s death as a catalyst to do more in helping to educate and raise awareness for suicide prevention. I am glad that I have chosen the third path.”

Basketball Victoria will support SmackTalk through advocacy and by endorsing the messages and programs that it is driving within the Victorian basketball community. Recognising when a teammate, colleague, family member, or friend may need someone to talk to in times of need is crucial. This partnership aims to foster a community where mental health awareness is at the forefront of our thinking, and everyone feels supported.

The correlation between being physically active through sport participation and positive mental health has been well documented. Being physically active through sport in a safe and welcoming environment can significantly contribute to positive mental well-being. As a sporting organisation, Basketball Victoria understands the importance of providing safe spaces for everyone to play basketball and enjoy the sport in any capacity they choose.

Nick Honey Basketball Victoria CEO understands the importance of creating environments where everyone feels safe, “We want to work with SmackTalk to be part of the solution and avoid more families going through what Wayne and his family have recently experienced. We know participation in sport can help to give people, and young people in particular, an outlet and a feeling of belonging and support. If we can help to decrease these statistics through supporting programs like SmackTalk, we will.”

The Knowledge and Information Base for Australian Sports, reports that an estimated 43% of the Australian population aged 16–85 will experience a mental disorder at some time in their life, with more than 21% experiencing a mental disorder in the previous 12 months1. However, being involved in some sort of sport (especially a team-based sport) can help to build resilience and support mental well-being.

The Knowledge and Information Base also states that common positive benefits observed when children and young people participate in sport include:

Improved well-being

Reduced stress and distress

Increased social functioning and vitality

As one of the leading sporting organisations in Victoria, Basketball Victoria understands the importance of encouraging sports participation for each person’s individual mental health. During a recent All Staff Day, Holdsworth presented to the Basketball Victoria team about his experience, his grief, and how he wants to honour his son’s memory. The team was highly moved.

Two of our staff members reflect on Wayne’s presentation and how it affected them, Bec Ross School Competitions Coordinator said, “Wayne’s talk resonated with me yesterday on a personal level. Having two sons of my own, it really highlighted the importance of connection. Connection as a family so you can have open conversations if you notice something seems off, and connection to a tribe so you have confidence your community will support your young people. There is no better tribe than a sporting community who in most cases is an extension of your family.”

Whilst James Rossiter Association Development Officer reflects, "Yesterday, Wayne shared his impactful and ongoing work with SmackTalk. His powerful and raw story, combined with the program he delivers, is essential for everyone. It significantly contributes to mental fitness, helps identify changes in loved ones and colleagues, and provides guidance on how to support those in need. Wayne's journey is heartbreaking, yet his professional delivery is profoundly powerful. I highly recommend SmackTalk for all organisations seeking to improve mental health in their workplaces and sporting clubs. Thank you, Wayne, for sharing your story with us so we can learn and one day maybe save a life."

Through this partnership, Basketball Victoria and SmackTalk are committed to making a lasting impact on the Victorian basketball community by promoting mental health awareness and providing opportunities for Victorian basketball associations to hear from the SmackTalk team in one of their free SmackTalk sessions aimed at educating every organisation on how to really listen, and perhaps change the course of a person’s life.

To learn more about SmackTalk or enquire about a free SmackTalk presentation for your sporting organisation please visit their website at www.smacktalk.com.au

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