NSW Rugby has partnered with BATYR, a preventative mental health organisation, created and driven by young people, for young people, for the Get Talkin’ Tour across the central west, starting in Orange on Friday night.

BATYR works to smash the stigma surrounding mental ill health and empower young people to reach out for support, and the organisation’s head of partnerships Jono Peatfield says the best way to do that in regional areas is through sport.

“The beauty of a club is that it’s a community within a community,” Peatfield said.

“Sport as exercise is a positive thing with for your well being and socially clubs are important for that as well.”

Peatfield says the tour is designed to provide rugby clubs and players in the region with the tools and skills to look out for their own well being and that of their clubmates.

BATYR will visit 10 towns, run over 30-plus events during its tour of the central west and a quick venture to the north of the state as well.

“Clubs are a place where people meet, socialise and be active, it’s a great avenue for us,” Peatfield added.

“It’s the power of working with rugby. We’ll train and up-skill these clubs to create safe environment for people who are struggling.”

The tour will land at the Canobolas Hotel, Orange on Friday night for a Mental Health Ambassador Training session before trekking to Cowra (Wednesday, November 21), Dubbo (Saturday, November 24) and then Walgett (Wednesday, November 28) 

NSW Rugby central west development officer Jarrod Simpson says the aim is to have a least three club members to be trained by BATYR to be a Mental Health Ambassador.

The ambassadors are to then the “go to person” in a club who can provide the first steps for individuals who are in need of support. 

“It’s an issue that needs to have the stigma taken away from and sometimes people don’t know where to go and that mental health ambassador can help with that,” Simpson added.

“What we want to do is go out and start positive talks about mental health well being,” Peatfield added.

“The reason for partnering with NSW rugby is because we want to use footy clubs, with a great community platform, to reach more people in these regional areas.”

While the training happens a Waratah player and NSW Rugby development staff will run some drills and small sided games for any kids in attendance.

A free barbecue and drinks will be provided at all venues.

Interested parties can register at batyr.com.au/gettalkintour/