The Tango Netball Club have introduced an invaluable mental health support program, designed to offer their community guidance in handling the challenges of life in and outside netball.
Led by qualified counsellors Dennis Taylor and Natasha (Tash) Steen, who are both heavily involved in the club, the Parent and Player Support Program was launched in November last year ahead of the 2022 season.
Dennis, who is a coach and parent at Tango, has seen first-hand the significance of nurturing mental health through his work as an Employee Support Coordinator for the Metropolitan Fire Service.
"I work closely with employees and their family members regarding work and personal matters,” Dennis said.
“Some of these concern Critical Incident, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and other more general issues that affect people from time to time.”
“Mental health issues are very real and affect many Australians.”
Acknowledging the challenges young people face as they navigate their teenage years and young adulthood, he was inspired to offer his support at the netball club alongside Natasha.
“Stigma reduction is very important in encouraging people to speak up and reach out for support, and this is especially the case with young people who are still establishing their norms,” Dennis said.
“Two of the biggest things that have bearing upon positive outcomes are early intervention and family support.
“These are similar concepts in my workplace with firefighters and I wanted to try, with Tash, to encourage these same principles with players of all ages and their parents within the Tango community.”
Dennis hoped that the program may inspire other clubs, in Premier League and beyond, to adopt a similar approach to supporting their community.
“We love our club, but I hope that this program goes even further. Perhaps through Netball SA, there may be other people at other clubs who introduce a similar model.
“To think that something started in 2021 at Tango could make a big difference to a young person or a family member’s life not just at Tango but at another club in the future is very encouraging.”
Players and parents can access the program through the club’s Facebook page or by approaching Dennis and Tash, who attend training sessions at the club.
