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SLSNSW is committed to providing support to members and promoting opportunities to improve wellbeing within our club communities. Members can access a number of services including the Member Assistance Program, the National Emergency Workers Support Service and Peer Support from fellow trained lifesavers.

In addition, partnerships with Gotcha 4 Life offer the opportunity for clubs to promote wellbeing within their communities and mental health training is offered by the Australian Lifesaving Academy.

The Member Assistance Program (MAP) has previously been referred to as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and this service provides free, confidential counselling to members from NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs. Support is available to members for concerns or issues arising from their involvement in surf lifesaving, such as being involved in a critical incident or a club grievance. No referral is needed to access this service.

 

MAP support is available via multiple modes, including:

  • Face-to-face counselling
  • Telehealth counselling including Live Chat and Video counselling (e.g. Teams, Zoom etc.).
  • Self-help resources available on Converge International digital platform and App.

 

Converge International’s call centre is based in Melbourne and all calls are triaged for urgent support.  The centre is open 24/7 and available 365 days a year. Standard appointments are generally available within 2 business days and can be made via multiple channels to accommodate personal needs and preferences:

SLSNSW Organisation Code (for online/App) is: SLSNSW

You don’t have to wait to seek out support. If you are experiencing any negative mental health outcomes consider one or more of the following:

  • Talking to a local chaplain or peer supporter
  • Talking to your GP

Immediate support is available 24/7 from the following services:

The National Emergency Workers Support Service by the Black Dog Institute provides access to free confidential mental health support to Emergency Service Volunteers & Staff. Surf Life Saving members  and staff are able to access support through this service, in addition to our critical incident support framework. Through this service first responders can access a range of services including online mental health checks, up to twelve free sessions with a clinician and resources for caring for friends and family affected by critical incidents.

Please see the Factsheet for more information.

Life Saving Chaplaincy Australia is a source of pastoral care and support within surf lifesaving clubs. Chaplains are trained to provide support to members for both issues on and off the beach. A number of clubs have appointed a club chaplain, and you can find out more by contacting your club.

Further information on the support that Chaplains can provide is available on the Lifesaving Chaplaincy website.

Surf Life Saving Clubs and Members can access discounted Mental Health Education through the Australian Life Saving Academy (ALA). Courses are facilitated both in-person at locations across NSW, and virtually.

The Mental Health First Aid Course teaches adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis. The course curriculum is based on the Mental Health Guidelines and is accredited by Mental Health First Aid Australia.

The 60-minute virtual Kitchen Catch Up teaches participants more about Mental Health and how to look after yourself and others with two accredited MHFA trainers.

To find out more visit the ALA website  or call 02 9471 8000.

Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation which raises awareness of the importance of identifying a close friend in life, someone you know you can go to and speak openly and honestly to when times are tough. Gotcha4Life enables this connection by funding educational workshops and training programs that build mental fitness in individuals and communities across Australia, to activate strong, open and binding relationships.

Surf Life Saving NSW has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gus Worland’s Gotcha4Life, as both organisations look to help build mental fitness and turn the tide on declining mental health and the increase in suicide within communities.

Gotcha4Life offers a number of opportunities for clubs to get involved including the 24-hour row, an annual fundraising event and to join or learn more information please visit this page.

Critical Incidents

Surf Life Saving NSW is committed to lessening the impact of critical incident stress on members and staff by providing best practice support following an incident.

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Member Protection

Member protection is important for all clubs – both being proactive and reactive. It allows members to take part in activities in a positive and safe environment.

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