FOR the third consecutive year, the National Basketball League (NBL)1 will partner with Lifeline Australia as part of the upcoming ‘Mental Health Round’ designed at spreading awareness and offering assistance to those struggling.

Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service provider, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 41 centres around the nation and providing 24/7 telephone, text and webchat services.

All five conferences will take part in activations with players wearing orange arm sleeves from BASE Compression, the NBL1’s official compression supplier. Socks and warm up T-shirts will also be worn as a fundraising initiative for the league-wide round, along with a text prompt for communities to donate to Lifeline Australia.

In the NBL1 North, South West Metro Pirates revealed their customised uniforms as part of the round. The club will hold an online auction for the uniforms, with proceeds to be donated to Lifeline.

NBL1 General Manager Dean Anglin said the ongoing partnership between the NBL1 and Lifeline was a proud moment for the clubs and the league.

“Mental health is one of the biggest issues facing Australians right now and we know our players, coaches and officials are not immune to the challenges,” he said. “As a truly national competition, we aim to reach those in need across the country and ensure they are aware of, and have access to the services they need. We thank Lifeline for partnering with us in this year’s Mental Health Round.”

Lifeline Executive Director Marketing & Fundraising, Lisa Cheng thanked the generous support of NBL1.

“We are excited to be involved in this years’ mental health round. The support from the NBL1 community including all teams, players, and staff has been phenomenal,” Cheng said.

“Community and sport are fundamental to the way we connect and support each other. This great initiative allows us to continue to break down the stigma of mental health and suicide in our communities and achieve our mission of an Australia free of suicide.

“Lifeline has over 3500 trained Crisis Supporters ready to be there to answer the call for help from those in need. Our Crisis Supporters are there to listen without judgment, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.”

For more information on the round and how to donate to Lifeline Australia, head to the NBL1 website.