QRL launches Support Squad pilot

An exciting community wellbeing program has kicked off in Queensland with the first 36 participants beginning their purple shirt journey. 

QRL's Support Squad is a network of people making a positive difference in community rugby league across Queensland - identified by the launch of a new purple shirt to show they are part of the initiative.

Squad members will be empowered with knowledge, resources and education to help foster strong and rewarding relationships within their local rugby league community.

This includes Mental Health First Aid accreditation, training from ALIVE's Get Real Institute and wellbeing resources, including critical incident plans.

With the pilot of the program starting in readiness for the upcoming season, QRL South East wellbeing manager Dayne Weston was excited to see the initiative commence and hoped for it to grow next year.  

"We've got the pilot program rolling out first. We have 36 volunteers registered to be part of that," Weston said.

"They'll be trained up by the start of next season. On top of that, we'll start recruiting in the next month for next year, so we have funds from the QRL to provide more opportunities for the 2022 season and ongoing from that.

"We're very fortunate to have this pilot take off, but (to) also use these people [pilot members] as resources for those who want to be part of the Support Squad in the future to understand the importance of it."

To find out more and express interest in joining the Support Squad, click here.