Queensland charity LIVIN was founded by Casey Lyons and Sam Webb in September 2013, in honour of their mate Dwayne Lally and other close friends and family who took their own lives after suffering from a mental illness.
>>> LIVIN & “It Ain’t Weak to Speak”
Now, members and fans at Cowboys v Sea Eagles on Monday night can learn about mental health and suicide prevention when LIVIN visit the LGIAsuper Community Hub at 1300SMILES Stadium.
The LGIAsuper Community Hub at home games reflects the Cowboys’ commitment to assist local charities and organisations to build awareness and support from the local community.
Sponsor of Community Hub LGIAsuper manages almost $9.5 billion in retirement savings or around 90,000 current and former Queensland local government employee members.
"Mental illness is indiscriminate – it touches people from all walks of life, at any time, and its impact can be devastating," LGIAsuper CEO Mr David Todd said.
"Through the LGIAsuper Community Hub we can support organisations like Livin to instigate positive change through programs designed to empower, restore confidence and educate individuals, families and their communities.
"It’s our way of giving back to hard-working volunteers across Queensland.”
Using the key message “It Ain’t Weak to Speak”, LIVIN seeks to destroy the stigma attached to mental illness and help individuals and families to connect, support and inspire one another to talk about their feelings, issues and problems.
“We can save the lives of individuals if we change the way society understands, perceives and interprets mental illness,” LIVIN co-founder Sam Webb said.
The LIVIN volunteers at Monday night’s game will be on hand to discuss mental health and suicide prevention and have information on support services, as well as promoting LIVIN’s forthcoming fundraising and awareness event in Townsville – the Livin HOT on the Hill walk planned for 23-24 July.
”For too long mental illness and suicide has been perceived as a weakness. Mental illness is no different to other illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. We will change this,” LIVIN co-founder Casey Lyons said.
"We hope that everyone at the game on Monday comes to the LGIAsuper Community Hub to have a chat with us and learn a little about LIVIN, mental health and suicide prevention."
Cowboys general manager – community Fiona Pelling said: “It's great that, with the support of Queensland superannuation business LGIAsuper, we can provide the Community Hub opportunity at our home games for charities and causes like LIVIN to raise awareness and encourage fans to support them".
