LIVIN tells Titans' IDRL and PDRL teams 'it ain't weak to speak'

Earlier this week the Gold Coast Titans Intellectual and Physical Disability Rugby League (IDRL, PDRL) teams came together with key charity partner, LIVIN, to participate in a 'LIVINWell' session focusing on mental health. 

LIVIN has been a partner of the Titans for eight years and their key message that 'it ain't weak to speak' is even more important now than ever as people face social isolation through the restrictions enforced by COVID-19.

As a key charity partner LIVIN has worked with a number of Titans players, and former Captain Ryan James in particular, in recent years, focusing on the mental health of both professional athletes and the wider community.

LIVIN Ambassador and Program Facilitator Alistair Mitchell spoke of the importance of the program and its message in the current environment. 

"The impact of COVID on our mental health has been enormous.

"Without the connection of each other, and being able to just reach out whenever we want, it has been really really hard on a lot of people.

" As a collective group and human race we want connection, so if we can keep connected we stay mentally healthy." Mitchell said.

It clearly had an effect on the participants with Titans IDRL player, Chris Hinckesman commenting how much he enjoyed the program. 

"LIVIN is awesome and I love it. That's really great for me and I want to do that." Hinckesman said.

The participants were also joined and supported by current Gold Coast Titans player Tanah Boyd, who shared some of his own challenges with the restrictions he and his teammates have been under in the 2020 NRL season.

Boyd also echoed Hinckesman comments with how much the session resonated with the group.

"I thought the guys took it all in and we had some fun with it." Boyd said.