Saturday August 1 and August 8 "Don't Wait - Talk to a Mate"

The beyondblue Rounds will be played on Saturday August 1 in the Goulburn Valley Football League and Saturday August 8 in the Picola and District Football Netball League. Umpires presiding over 14 games will wear beyondblue T-shirts to raise awareness of depression and the Coach the Coach Program.

The Coach the Coach Program trains football coaches in 'Mental Health First Aid' so that they can recognise the signs of depression, approach players who may be having a tough time and encourage them to seek help.

Coach the Coach is a joint initiative of FamilyCare and beyondblue: the national depression initiative. The training program uses beyondblue information materials to promote mental health messages throughout the clubs in the league.

The Coach the Coach program has also been implemented by The Ovens and King and Benalla and District Country Football Netball Leagues this year.

At the games, volunteers will hand out information encouraging people to look out for each other and offer support if someone is having a rough time. Along with wristbands and interactive 'flipper' cards bearing the beyondblue and Youthbeyondblue website addresses, there will be information on how to recognise the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and where to get help.

beyondblue Chairman The Hon. Jeff Kennett said: "The Coach the Coach program and beyondblue Rounds are fantastic opportunities to raise awareness of depression at country footy games where the community gets together.

"People should know that even very fit athletes and tough country men can experience depression - and to ask for help is not a sign of weakness. The sooner you get the right treatment, the sooner you're on the road to recovery and kicking goals."

CEO of beyondblue Leonie Young added: "We are very pleased to partner with community groups and sporting organisations to let people know that effective treatments are available for depression and anxiety. More than one million Australians currently experience depression, so if it's not you, the chances are that someone you know is affected."

Acting CEO of FamilyCare, Angela Armstrong-Wright said: "Through the cooperation and involvement of sporting clubs, Coach the Coach has been able to increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding issues of mental health, particularly within rural and remote Victorian communities who often have limited access or understanding of available support services."

Read more about Coach the Coach at www.coachthecoach.net.au or for information on depression, anxiety and related drug and alcohol problems, visit www.beyondblue.org.au or www.youthbeyondblue.com or call the beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636 (local call).