Matterworks and AFL team up to tackle mental health education

Matterworks, Australia's challenger health content creator, and the AFL have teamed up to launch AFL GOALS, a creative mental health initiative for classrooms nationwide.

AFL GOALS is a national resource that aims to entertain, engage, and harness the power of AFL to help teachers across the country educate students about mental fitness and resilience. 

Spearheaded by AFL Schools, the content series targets students aged 10 to 15, and is made up of video-led lessons and interactive activities crafted to destigmatise mental health dialogues and instil confidence.

Fronted by TikToker JasmineTXO, the series showcases a collective of content creators alongside AFL luminaries, including AFLW personalities like Georgie Prespakis, Mikayla Bowen, and Elaine Grigg.

AFL head of mental health and wellbeing Dr Kate Hall said she was thrilled to see this initiative come to life.

“We’re incredibly proud to launch AFL GOALS. It’s a highly innovative program that will help change the way teachers educate students about mental fitness, building resilience and enhancing mental health literacy,” Dr Hall said.

“Working closely with the creative team at Matterworks has been a joy – their skill in translating health information, based on decades of research from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, into a digital series that is vibrant, engaging and creative, is truly innovative.”

Matterworks is an official partner of the AFL’s Mental Fitness Charter.

Co-founder and CEO of Matterworks Sarah Wyse said: "Our collaboration with the AFL signifies a transformative stride in mental health education. By intertwining creative storytelling with evidence-based research, we're reshaping the narrative surrounding mental wellbeing for young Australians.

“The significance of this partnership is underscored by our inclusion in the AFL's Mental Health and Wellbeing charter as a designated partner alongside Headspace and Movember.

"Positioned as a B2B partner, our focus is on delivering credible, engaging, evidence-based learning resources to industries. Programs like AFL GOALS present a step in the right direction towards creating a healthier next generation.”