On Monday, 17 June 2024, Jasmine Cappellucci and Caitlin Spencer from SportWest’s True Sport team attended the Being Trauma Responsive workshop, hosted by the WA Association of Mental Health. This full-day training, delivered by expert facilitators, focused on equipping participants with practical skills to engage safely and effectively with individuals impacted by trauma.
Why This Matters for Sport
Sporting environments often become safe spaces for community connection, but they can also be places where grief, loss, and trauma surface. By undertaking this training, the True Sport team is reinforcing its commitment to the True Sport Mental Health Initiative, ensuring clubs and associations have access to informed guidance and resources that promote wellbeing.
Key Learnings
Participants gained:
- A clear understanding of what trauma is and how it affects the brain.
- The ability to recognise signs and impacts of trauma on both clients and workers.
- Practical strategies to support individuals experiencing triggers.
- Principles of trauma-informed practice to improve experiences for those seeking support.
The workshop also featured a Lived Experience Guest Speaker from WAAMH, sharing a powerful personal journey of recovery, and a Wellness Responder on-site to provide support throughout the day.
True Sport’s Next Steps
Jasmine and Caitlin will integrate these insights into True Sport’s mental health initiatives, including upcoming resources and education for sporting clubs. This knowledge will strengthen the team’s ability to guide clubs in responding to grief and loss, fostering safer and more supportive environments for players, volunteers, and families.
"Gaining a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact is essential for creating safe and inclusive sporting environments. This training has equipped us with practical tools to help clubs respond with empathy and care. Through our partnership with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, SportWest offers a range of resources tailored to the WA sporting landscape. Completing this course strengthens our ability to guide the sector and connect clubs with appropriate local services." - Jasmine Cappellucci, True Sport Manager at SportWest.
For more information on the True Sport Mental Health Initiative or for any queries on how SportWest can support your sporting organisation, contact truesport@sportwest.com.au
