RWWA Launches Racing Assist
13 September, 2018
Industry
Racing and Wagering Western Australia has launched a new mental health and wellbeing initiative accessible to all racing participants.
Racing Assist is a free and confidential program open to participants across all three racing codes including trainers, drivers, jockeys, stable hands, track work riders, farriers and riders agents.
Racing Assist offers a free phone support service to all participants 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while it also offers up to six face-to-face counselling sessions with trained professionals.
The new program will run alongside other programs supported by RWWA including the Jockey Assistance Program which has been in place since 2010, and another program run by the West Australian Racing Trainers Association.
Importantly, the Racing Assist program is accessible right across the state, with racing participants in regional locations all able to use it.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said the introduction of the new Racing Assist program served as a timely reminder for all industry members they could seek help at any time.
“In the competitive racing industry, stakes are high and pressure is constant but there is also a high level of care and responsibility required to be provided for our racing animals and industry participants,” he said.
“There are over 4000 licenced participants across all three codes of racing in Western Australia who may be under pressure at different stages of their respective careers.
“Racing Assist is a terrific avenue for people to utilise to help alleviate that pressure.”
RWWA chief executive officer Richard Burt said Racing Assist would give the racing industry every chance to thrive.
“Our people are our greatest assets and the emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing of our participants is vital to the success of the racing industry,” he said.
Racing Assist’s launch coincides with the nationally recognised R U OK? Day today to draw attention to mental health and suicide prevention.
Psychological Services clinical psychologist Larissa Meysner said listening to the concerns of those facing tough times is most helpful.
“I think it’s really changed over the last couple of years the amount of general community awareness about R U Ok?Day,” she told TABradio.
“A lot of people, generally, when someone says that something isn’t okay, the first thing they want to do is jump in and help.
“Sometimes it’s just being there to listen and say ‘thanks for telling me’…and asking them whatever they need.”
Racing participants can find more information about Racing Assist at www.rwwa.com.au/home/welfare/racing-assist-8169.html
The emergency counselling service can be contacted on 1300 307 912.
Tim Walker