What is Think Mental Health?
Think Mental Health is a public education campaign designed to promote mental wellbeing, reduce stigma, and provide tools for managing mental health. Surfing WA has developed six key messages that connect surfers with their community and local support networks, led by the central message “Look After Your Mates.” The program encourages surfers, clubs, staff and volunteers to notice when someone might be struggling, start supportive conversations, and seek help early.
Delivered in partnership with Healthway, the initiative responds to the growing impact of mental health challenges within the surfing community and forms part of WA’s broader approach to suicide prevention and wellbeing promotion. Surfing WA builds awareness through events, workshops, and campaigns, and strengthens community capacity by providing practical education, resources, and a club toolkit to help create safe, connected environments in and out of the water.
Look after your mates by checking in early, listening without judgement, and helping them get support when they need it—because a simple call, kind gesture, or shared wave can make all the difference.
Mental health challenges can affect anyone—so let’s drop the stigma, show compassion, and make it safe to reach out and get support early.
Reach out before things get too rough—asking for help early is a strength, and a friend, professional, or crisis service can help you get through it.
Talking and listening can be powerful—choose a safe, relaxed moment, let them know you’ve noticed they’re not themselves, and simply being there can open the door to getting the help they need.
Engage in relaxation by making calm time part of your routine—breathing, moving, or simply slowing down helps reduce stress, lift mood, and keep you balanced and well.
Maintain connection with something you love—make time for the ocean, your hobbies, and your people, because staying connected brings calm, meaning, and strength when life gets heavy.
Ambassadors and Stories
Surfing WA, Healthway, and the World Surf League joined forces for the 2023 Think Mental Health Boardriders Workshop. Ambassador Filipe Toledo shares his steps to mental wellness on tour before a meet and greet with our Club Presidents and comitee members at the Margaret River Pro.
“I just love the feeling of being out there and being connected with the ocean and Mother Nature” – Filipe Toledo
The 2024 Think Mental Health Boardriders Workshop brought Surfing WA, Healthway and the World Surf League back together—this time with a strong focus on building positive club culture. Even with the competition called off, spirits stayed high as we met our 2024 ambassador, Jack Robinson, and enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
“I’m really stoked Healthway is supporting the Margaret River Pro because that’s where I grew up” – Jack Robinson
The 2025 Think Mental Health Boardriders Workshop focused on creating real impact in the community — a reminder of what’s possible when sporting organisations work together. With support from Healthway, Surfing WA continues to embed mental wellbeing into everything it does, from local club days to major events like the Margaret River Pro.
In partnership with 20Talk, The University of Western Australia and WA Football, the workshop brought clubs, leaders, surfers and supporters together to strengthen connection, culture and care. The Boardrider Forum held during the Margaret River Pro captures that energy: honest conversations, shared learning, and a collective commitment to look after our mates.
” We can help generate the awaresness, but what we need is a bunch of soldiers on the ground that can keep a bit of an eye out and … look after your mates” – Mark Lane
Resources and Tools
Event Tips
Providing tips and suggestions for implementing mental health and wellbeing initiatives in clubs and sporting groups, this document aims to foster a supportive environment.
Coordinator Description
Focused on seeking expressions of interest to become a Mental Health Coordinator in a club, this document emphasizes promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in the community.
Posters
Containing the Surfing WA Mental health and wellbeing key messages, these posters serve as effective tools for raising awareness and connecting individuals with support services, both within and around the club.
Language Matters
Highlighting the significance of using respectful and hopeful language in discussions regarding suicide and mental health, this document aims to combat stigma and promote help-seeking behaviour.
Supportive Conversations
Offering a tip sheet on conducting supportive conversations with individuals in need, this document prioritizes mental health and wellbeing support.
Where to Find Help
Help Providing comprehensive information and resources, this document serves as a guide for individuals seeking help and support for mental health issues.
Critical Incident Response
Overview Focusing on the critical incident response plan and guidelines, this document outlines procedures for managing immediate health, safety, and wellbeing during crises.
Did you know?
Surfing WA supports the wellbeing of its staff and volunteers through access to free, confidential counselling services — available to both employees and club volunteers.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Surfing WA staff are eligible for up to 5 x 1-hour sessions of one-on-one counselling with a qualified professional.
- Sessions can be phone-based or face-to-face
- 100% confidential — nothing is reported back to Surfing WA
- Simply contact Access Wellbeing Services (AWS) and mention Surfing WA as your organisation
Volunteer Assistance Program (VAP)
Volunteers and affiliated clubs can also access 5 x 1-hour sessions of free support, including:
- Confidential counselling with a professional
- Critical incident response and post-incident support
- Contact Access Wellbeing Services (AWS), mention Surfing WA, and you’re good to go
Looking after yourself is important — support is just a phone call away.
Urgent Mental Health Assistance
Emergency
If you feel someone is at an immediate risk, or is in a life-threatening situation, call triple zero 000
Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL)
If you or someone you know needs mental health support or would like to talk with someone that can help, contact the 24-hour telephone service, call:
- 1300 788 (Metro)
- 1301 1800 676 822 (Peel)
- 1800 552 002 (RuralLink)
Support Helplines
Beyond Blue
Free online and telephone support for anyone feeling anxious or depressed.
1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service
Telephone, online and video counselling for people 15 and over. Professional support for anyone who is: feeling suicidal, worried about someone else or who has lost someone to suicide.
1300 659 467
Alcohol and Drug Support Line
Confidential telephone counselling, information and referral services for anyone seeking help for their own or another person’s alcohol or drug use.
9442 5000 (Metro) or 1800 198 024 (Country)
mhc.wa.gov.au/alcoholanddrugsupportline
Mensline Australia
Supports men and boys dealing with family and relationship concerns.
1300 789 978
1800RESPECT
National 24hour sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling helpline.
1800 737 732
Find more support services below
Events
