About Us
Who we are
We are a not-for-profit organisation, set up and run by Hockey players, to raise awareness around the importance of looking after your own mental health & your teammates too. This message is encapsulated in our hashtag #TEAMMATESFORLIFE
Glenn Turner Co-founder LIVIN FOR HOCKEY
“You can’t always stop a mental illness from starting, but you can choose how you manage it. Anxiety is a condition that I have learnt to control through Hockey, meditation and the close bonds I have with Hockey teammates. Playing for Australia and going to the Olympics are goals that I had since playing Hockey with my mates as a kid in Goulburn."
"I want to show the next generation of players, that together we can help each other with life’s challenges and together we can achieve anything we want. Anxiety didn’t stop me from reaching my goals and it shouldn’t for anyone else too. However it starts with speaking up, getting help and putting a plan together. Hockey provides the community, friends and sport to keep the health improvements going for life.”
@glenn_turner4
Our vision
A Hockey community where everyone has the knowledge and skills to understand, empathise with, address and cope with mental health issues.
Our goals #1
Reducing the stigma of mental health and to normalise mental health issues to be the same as physical health issues.
Our goals #2
Raising awareness of the importance of seeking help as soon as possible through peer support, accredited information and mental health professionals.
Our goals #3
'Zero' tolerance in the Hockey community for bullying, all forms of abusive behaviour, and a wide understanding of the negative impact these have on a person’s mental health.
Our goals #4
Embed an understanding of how physical exercise, in a supportive team environment, can have positive benefits on a person’s mental and physical health.
What we do
Spreading the message
To create an awareness in the Hockey community of the LIVIN FOR HOCKEY Goals, and how players and supporters can support the cause.
Why Hockey is good for your Mental health
Combat depression
One of the physical benefits of playing Hockey is the release of endorphins, commonly known as the happy hormone. Endorphins not only make you feel happier, they can make you feel more relaxed as well. It doesn’t have to be at Olympic level, playing Hockey at any level is about getting on your feet, increasing your heart rate, and having fun at the same time.
Combat anxiety
Playing Hockey has benefits that can reduce anxiety, such as the positive impact you can get through the social support from your teammates. Playing Hockey also provides a great distraction from worries and rumination. Numerous studies have shown that people who exercise regularly experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who do not exercise regularly.
Improved sleep and fitness
Studies show that people can experience improved sleep and fitness from playing sport, it can also reduce the occurrence of mental illnesses. Regular exercise such as playing Hockey, has numerous physical health benefits. These benefits include prevention of medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, strokes and certain types of cancers.
Improved self-confidence
Playing hockey allows people to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing. It can also increase a sense of control and self-esteem through achieving goals and improved performance in their own game.
Feeling of belonging
An important yet often overlooked benefit, is the feeling of being part of a bigger community group. Being part of a Hockey team, club and community, generates a sense of value, belonging and attachment.
Improved concentration
Exercising regularly keeps your mental skills intact, such as critical thinking, learning, and concentration abilities. Furthermore, engaging in physical activity such as playing sports may help prevent development of certain cognitive and neurological disorders.
Increased socialisation
Playing Hockey provides the perfect opportunity for social interaction. It allows players to spend time with friends, as well as making new ones. This provides the social network that is an important aspect of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Why good Mental Health is important for Hockey
Improved on field decision making
Decisions are mental, skills are physical, being able to do both defines the best athletes. Good mental health helps with focus, resilience and achieving goals.
Improved team performance
A culture of mental health support enables players to get timely assistance and care, getting them back on the pitch quicker and staying healthy.
Improved awareness
Players who strive for good mental health are more likely to help out their teammates who might be struggling with theirs.
Reduced missed games
Being focused on good mental health reduces the likelihood that a mental health issue will require time away from Hockey.
Team culture
Building a culture of support is about changing people’s thinking to understand that supporting mental wellbeing enhances, rather than impedes, sporting results. Ric Charlesworth said in an interview about getting the best out of top level Hockey players: “…it's their capacity to handle the stresses of competition that often makes the difference. And in the end you have to take a holistic approach, you better be improving all of those aspects of the athletes, if you're not able to do so then you're not going to make the progress that you should..."
Our people
Amy Arnott - Director
I’ve always played hockey - it’s just been part of me. A few years ago, I stepped away from CL1 and honestly, coming back was tough. I hit a few bumps, both on and off the field, and it really tested me - my confidence, my patience, my mental health. At times, I wasn’t sure I’d find my way back.
But slowly, I did - thanks to the game itself and the people around it. Friends who became like family, moments that reminded me why I love it. These days, I don’t always wear the same uniform - sometimes I’m playing, sometimes I’m coaching Hook into Hockey, or helping behind the scenes - but I show up.
And every day, I just remind myself: I’m trying to be the best version of me. That’s all I can ask of myself.
Patrick O'Connor Co-founder LIVIN FOR HOCKEY
"The #TEAMMATESFORLIFE hashtag describes one of the most important benefits of our sport. We all love playing Hockey, but it's the close bonds we have with our teammates, opponents and officials, that last forever. Look after yourself first, but do your best to be there for your teammates on and off the field, today and forever."
"Our juniors don't just learn Hockey skills, they learn Life skills. Hockey sticks give Hockey smiles and Hockey Hope. If you don't believe that smiles and hope are our best weapon against Youth Suicide, then you have never watched kids playing Hockey."
Daniel Borrett – National Manager
I have played Hockey (and various other sports) my whole life and been fortunate enough to play at high levels around the world in various formats. Promoting mental health in all sports is incredibly important to me, not just as an advocate, but as someone who has experienced first-hand the highs and lows that come with being an athlete.
Throughout my own playing journey and now as an older player and a coach, I’ve come to understand how crucial mental well-being is to performance, resilience, and overall enjoyment of the game. Whether it was dealing with pressure, setbacks, or injuries, I learned that physical fitness means little without a strong and supported mind.
By speaking openly about mental health, I hope to break the stigma and help create environments in sport where athletes feel safe, heard, and empowered to seek support when they need it.
Madeline Dooley - Committee Member
Hockey has always been a constant in my life, with sport comes ups and down on and off the field but the people and playing keeps me coming back. The teammates you play with become friendship for life.
Promoting mental health is something I am passionate about and it impacts everyone. One single conversation may not fix a problem but starting a conversation can mean the world.
Kayleb O'Connor - Director
Kayleb has been actively involved in playing Hockey and coaching juniors for over 10 years. He is invovled in many areas of LIVIN FOR HOCKEY including as a presenter for the mental health awareness course.
Catriona Bailey-Price - Ambassador
When I'm feeling mentally well, my ability to focus on the game or training is so much stronger and in turn, my on-field performance is also reflective of this. Thankfully if I'm not feeling mentally well, I have close teammates who can support me through the hardship.
The most successful teams I have been part of on the field, have had the best feelings of support and camaraderie as a group off the field. This truly reinforces that mental health is a game changer.
It is so important we continue to work to remove the stigma of talking about mental ill health. We openly discuss physical injuries, yet it doesn't feel as natural to tell people when we're struggling mentally. And yet the mental battles can be the most dangerous and debilitating.
Caitlin McIntosh - Committee Member
I have been playing hockey (and various other sports) since I was little. Whilst growing up, Hockey was always a space for me where I could go as an outlet for my emotions.
Also whilst growing up, I have learnt to listen to my body, whether it is physically or mentally.
Although Hockey is a large chunk of my life, mental health is also a topic I will always hold close to my life. By being an ambassador and a committee member, I am fortunate enough to give back to my community whether they are past, present or emerging.
Simone Bettany - LFH Committee Member and Communications & Events Manager for Hockey ACT | Canberra Chill.
Hockey started a little later for me than most players but it was something that I started with my friends and ended up getting my family involved.
It was a great outlet as a teen growing up and getting to mix with new people, make new friends and get to travel around to new places.
Hockey got me through some of my hardest times and having the support of my team mates was a huge factor. Even when I am having a hard time with my mental health, they are always there to support me on and off the field.
Mental Health has been a part of my life for a long time and is something that I have to work on daily.
Within the circle I have created for myself, it has given me the courage and tools to be able to be open and honest with how I am feeling and allow the people around me to support me in their own way.
I am thankful to be able to break the stigma, encourage and advocate the people around me and help those who may be struggling.
Seyi Onitiri - Director
Seyi is the current Head Coach of the Canberra Chill Men’s side. He is the club president of the Old Canberrans Hockey Club, as well as being a member of the first grade side for over 20 years. Seyi has been instrumental in bringing better mental health awareness to his club and the Hockey community.
Lyle Holt - Official Photographer
Lyle's Lens creates deployment-ready imagery for athletes, sporting organisations and sponsors. Lyle's Lens builds
the evidence and decision architecture that makes people, programmes, and partnerships easier to support. https://www.lyleslens.com/
Mental Illness - Key Messages
Mental Health Support Resources
RUOK
R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.
Lifeline
We are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We are committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope.
Kids help line
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Beyond Blue
We are Australia’s most well-known and visited mental health organisation, focused on supporting people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.
Black Dog Institute
We focus on new challenges and opportunities in mental health – suicide prevention, digital innovation, lived experience, youth and workplace mental health. Our work in mood disorders continues through our investigation of new and better ways to treat and prevent conditions like anxiety and depression through digital tools and novel treatments.
Movember
We are the leading charity changing the face of men’s health. We know what works for men – and what doesn’t. We fund groundbreaking projects all over the world, engaging men where they are to understand what works best and accelerate change.
Butterfly Foundation
Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them.
Our Partners
