BUNINYONG and Clunes football clubs hope their friendly rivalry will continue sparking awareness and talk about post-traumatic stress and suicide.
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The Bombers will host the Magpies on Saturday for the third annual Shanahan Cup, named in honour of former soldier and firefighter Nathan Shanahan who died in late 2016 by suicide.
Shanahan hails from Buninyong. His dad, tireless mental health advocate John Shanahan, taught at Clunes Primary School where Nathan attended.
Clubs have united in football and netball to help carry Nathan Shanahan's legacy.
Shanahan made a 400-kilometre trek from his home in Mildura to Adelaide, Walking Off the War Within, raising awareness for mental health of emergency services and defence force personnel.
He was determined to stamp out the stigma for anyone in the community seeking help for mental health.
This year, Walking off the War community walks took part in Ballarat, Canberra, Kalgoorlie, Darwin, Alice Springs and Warrnambool.
Walking off the War Within supports Soldier On, Lifeline and mental health researcher Black Dog Institute.
- More: walkoffww.com
RELATED COVERAGE
Where to find help
There is a wealth of professional support for men to seek help for mental or physical help. The key message is that you are not alone.
This can include:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 for 24 hours/seven days a week crisis support or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Mens line: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
Solider On: 1300 620 380
Western Bulldogs' Sons of the West men's health program: 5331 6966 (Sports Central)
Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex)
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