On Tuesday 7 October, SportWest welcomed members of the True Sport Mental Health Champions Network and their guests to a powerful and practical workshop focused on Critical Incident Response in community sport, led by Kellie Lewis from The Mental Health Project.
Held at Sport HQ in Floreat, the session addressed a growing need across WA sporting organisations: how to confidently and compassionately respond when a critical incident occurs.
Dr Lewis guided participants through:
- Developing a Critical Incident Response Plan tailored to sport settings
- Understanding best-practice steps for managing incidents
- Communicating effectively with athletes, families, and stakeholders
- Accessing referral pathways and external support services
- The importance of debriefing and follow-up to restore psychological safety
The workshop was designed to empower Mental Health Champions with the tools and knowledge to lead their organisations through challenging moments with clarity, care, and confidence.
To support ongoing learning and preparedness, participants were encouraged to explore the True Sport Critical Incident Response Guide, a comprehensive resource developed in partnership with The Mental Health Project and funded by the Mental Health Commission.
With strong engagement and thoughtful discussion throughout the morning, it was clear that WA’s sporting community is committed to creating safer, more supportive environments for everyone involved.
A huge thank you to Kellie Lewis for her expertise, and to all attendees for their dedication to mental wellbeing in sport.
