SportWest's True Sport program has been recognised as a finalist in the Mental Health and Wellbeing category at the 2026 WHS Foundation Work Health and Wellness Awards.
SportWest is proud to announce that True Sport, its nation-leading initiative supporting positive sporting cultures, has been named a finalist in the Mental Health and Wellbeing category at the 2026 WHS Foundation Work Health and Wellness Awards.
The nomination recognises the work undertaken through True Sport's Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative to support the mental health and wellbeing of people involved in sport across Western Australia, with a particular focus on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Volunteer Assistance Program (VAP).
Supporting the Wellbeing of the Sporting Community
People working and volunteering in sport play an essential role in creating positive experiences for participants and communities. However, the demands of sporting environments can present challenges that affect mental health and wellbeing.
Through True Sport's Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative, SportWest is committed to helping create sporting environments where the wellbeing of employees and volunteers is prioritised and seeking support is encouraged.
A key component of this work is the provision of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Volunteer Assistance Program (VAP), which provide access to confidential professional support for employees and volunteers across the Western Australian sporting sector.
These services are designed to help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges, access appropriate support and prioritise their wellbeing. By extending support to both employees and volunteers, the programs recognise the diverse people who contribute to sport and the importance of ensuring they have access to assistance when they need it.
Building a Culture That Prioritises Mental Health
The EAP and VAP form part of True Sport's broader commitment to strengthening mental health and wellbeing across sport.
Beyond providing access to support services, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative aims to encourage greater awareness of mental health, promote positive wellbeing practices and contribute to sporting cultures where people feel supported.
Prioritising mental health and wellbeing is an important part of creating sustainable sporting environments. Supporting the people behind sport helps strengthen the organisations, clubs and communities that make sport possible.
The WHS Foundation Work Health and Wellness Awards recognise efforts to promote health, safety and wellbeing. Being named a finalist is an important acknowledgement of the work being undertaken through True Sport to support the people who contribute to Western Australian sport.
Continuing to Champion Positive Change Through Sport
SportWest acknowledges the support of the WA Government, its partners, members and stakeholders who continue to contribute to the delivery of True Sport and its initiatives.
This recognition reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in mental health and wellbeing and ensuring employees and volunteers across the sporting sector know that support is available when they need it.
Through True Sport, SportWest will continue working with the sector to build safer, more inclusive, respectful and supportive sporting environments across Western Australia.
To learn more about True Sport and its Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative, visit the True Sport website.
