Former Burleigh player Alex Glenn with LIVIN Founder Casey Lyons and Jamie Dowling.
“It ain’t weak to speak.” That’s the message of Livin, a locally based organisation raising awareness for mental health disorders and suicide prevention.
Burleigh Bears Bycroft Cup player and co-founder Casey Lyons started Livin after his best friend Dwayne Lally took his life in September last year.
Dwayne grew up on the Gold Coast and played junior football with the Mudgeeraba Redbacks before going on to have a successful amateur boxing career.
For a number of years Dwayne struggled with depression and bipolar and Lyons said that encouraging people to speak up and seek help when they are doing it tough is the primary message of Livin.
“No one knew Dwayne’s battle,” Lyons said.
“He was at a party the night he took his life. People were encouraging him to drink more and that, which only compounds the situation he was in. If people knew what was going on they wouldn’t have been doing that.
“With ‘It Ain’t Weak to Speak,’ we encourage people to speak so they feel accepted and can go get the necessary help they need.”
Since co-founding Livin with Sam Webb, they have already established a broad social media presence as well as releasing a line of clothing.
On August 16 the Burleigh Bears will team up with Livin to dedicate their Intrust Super Cup clash with the Souths Logan Magpies to raising funds and awareness.
A specially designed jersey will be worn by the players and then auctioned off after the game, a percentage of the gate will be donated and there will be a variety of other fundraisers.
“In footy, mental health is a massive issue,” Lyons said.
“The pressures from not making the right team, injuries, expectations; there are a lot of different ways for it to relate to rugby league.
“We encourage everybody who has Livin gear to wear it on the day because we want to get a photo on the field at halftime.
“You can get the gear from the website, living.net.au, otherwise we’ll be selling gear at the ground on the day.”
Bears CEO Damian Driscoll said the club is proud of Casey’s work with Livin and they are proud to be associated with them.
Gates open at Pizzey Park on Saturday August 16 at 12pm with the main game between the Burleigh Bears and Souths Logan Magpies kicking off at 3pm.
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Burleigh Bears Rugby League Development Officer
The Burleigh Bears are currently seeking applications for the position of Rugby League Development Officer to work in our Rugby League Department. The Burleigh Bears are one of the largest Rugby League Clubs in Queensland, competing in both State and local competitions encompassing State, South East QLD and Gold Coast competitions.
For more information go to http://www.burleighbears.com.au/position-vacant/
