The NSWRL’s ‘Changing Rooms’ program, run by True Blue Paul Langmack, returns this week with visits to the Minto Cobras Junior Rugby League Club in south-western Sydney.
Langmack, a three-time Premiership winner with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs as well as playing for NSW and the Kangaroos, will speak to around 240 boys and girls on Wednesday and Thursday (22-23 February).
‘Changing Rooms’ began four years ago primarily for metropolitan areas, but last year also targeted areas in regional NSW after the Department of Health provided a grant for the program.
Langmack and a group of professional social workers will visit the ‘Youth Off The Streets’ charity organisation in Unanderra, south of Wollongong, and the South Grafton Rebels junior club on the NSW mid-north coast, over the next fortnight.
Last year Langmack spoke to around 2500 kids aged 11-20 from schools, community groups as well as Rugby League clubs across the state.
“This year I’m aiming hopefully for 4000 kids,” he told nswrl.com.au
“The message this year will be more about how to enjoy your life by improving your mental fitness.
“Kids are stressing out and they should be enjoying life at their young age.
“But the pressure around mobile phones and social media means things can build up inside them quite quickly.”
Langmack equates mental fitness with physical fitness – getting out and doing the things which make you feel good and healthy.
“We’ll still talk about the issues of bullying and suicide prevention, depression, anxiety and addictions,” he said.
“But there will be more emphasis on the simple positive messages of: ‘Don’t stress’, ‘Enjoy your life’ because life goes too quick.
“So, I want to make it a bit more fun for everyone.”
Those interested in booking ‘Changing Rooms’ for their school, club or community group should email: plangmack@nswrl.com.au
