The passionate legacy of the late Townsville Catholic Diocese Bishop Michael Putney to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in our region continues with a new partnership between the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys and the Bishop Michael Putney Fellowship.
The partnership sees the Cowboys delivering The Resilience Project (TRP) into Townsville schools, with a focus on positive wellbeing and building resilience through digital presentations.
The Fellowship was established in honour of Bishop Michael Putney, a Bishop of the Catholic Diocese in Townsville from 2001 until his passing in March 2014 and keen Cowboys supporter and rugby league fan.
Its purpose is to promote mental health and wellbeing among young individuals, initially focusing on elite sportspeople aged 15-20 years and now expanding under the partnership to reach primary aged students using rugby league to encourage further discussion around mental wellbeing and emotional literacy.
Bishop Michael Putney Fellowship committee member Rob Peel said partnering with the Cowboys in delivery of The Resilience Project offers comprehensive and effective support for mental wellbeing of all young people.
“The primary focus of the Fellowship has evolved to encompass a broader scope, including supporting all youth, not just elite sportspeople, at the primary and high school level in addressing mental health challenges,” he said.
“The program's emphasis on fostering resilience, positive mindset and emotional wellbeing perfectly aligns with the Fellowship's mission of empowering youth to navigate life's challenges and cultivate their mental wellbeing.
“The game of rugby league can serve as a powerful medium to reach a wider gamut of primary-aged children and effectively drive home the program's message and outcomes related to mental health.
“The combination of sportsmanship and mental health education in the context of rugby league can instill valuable lessons that extend beyond the field and into children's daily lives, promoting healthier and happier outcomes for all participants.”
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said partnering with the Bishop Michael Putney Fellowship stands as an important example of how joining forces can strengthen the community’s commitment to supporting mental health.
“Rugby league is a fantastic driver in starting conversations about important issues such as mental health and wellbeing, and to have the Bishop Michael Putney Fellowship partnering with us strengthens a shared vision to improve the lives of young people,” he said.
“Bishop Michael Putney believed in the power of rugby league and we’re proud to play our part in making a lasting impact on the wellbeing of our school communities.”
The Bishop Michael Putney Fellowship will be represented by the Tropical Brain and Mind Foundation at Saturday’s Cowboys home game as they feature in the club’s Community Corner, as part of Mental Health Round.
Community Corner, supported by Townsville City Council, will be shining a light on mental health care services and increasing awareness and understanding of mental illness – from 5.30pm-7.35pm, Northern concourse, Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Pictured: Bishop Michael Putney Fellowship committee members Rob Peel and Lisa Banks, with Cowboys programs manager Ray Thompson
