True Blue and NSWRL Mental Fitness Program Manager Paul Langmack took part in a men’s mental health forum at State Parliament House on Monday, which has opened doors for him to continue his welfare work in Rugby League, and other sport and community organisations.
Last year Langmack met NSW Minister for Health Rose Jackson (pictured above centre) at the launch of a state government-sponsored ‘LivingWorks safeTalk’ suicide prevention workshops, which helps teachers, volunteers, welfare officers, and coaches recognise children in distress.
Langmack has been a guest speaker at some of the workshops held in Rugby League clubs.
That connection prompted Ms Jackson to invite Langmack to Parliament House in Macquarie Street this week.
“I’ve been talking to Minister Jackson since we met at Kogarah about how we could combine on some things,” Langmack said.
“I also know the Premier Chris Minns well as he’s a Bulldogs supporter – so that helps,” said Langmack, who won three premierships with Canterbury-Bankstown (1984, ’85, ’88).
“There were people from all different walks of life at the parliamentary forum and we are all committed to the same cause.
“Seventy-five per cent of all suicides are males. The biggest killer of men between 14 and 44 years of age is suicide. This has to be stopped.
“The forum allowed me to network with a lot of people in the mental fitness area like I am with my NSWRL Changing Rooms program.”
Langmack has subsequently scheduled follow-up meetings with SANE Australia and Mentoring Men.
SANE offers free online digital and tele-health support services for people over 18 years with complex mental health needs.
Mentoring Men is a registered Australian charity providing free long-term one-to-one mentoring for men, who are going through some challenges or changes in their life.
“I met officials from SANE, who have around 50,000 members, to see how we can work together, as I’m particularly interested in how I keep in contact with Rugby League people – parents and junior players - during the off-season,” Langmack said. “Something like on-line chats could be the answer.
“Mentoring Men has a great training course, which I want to take a closer look at.”
Officials from both organisations were also interested in Langmack’s ‘Changing Rooms’ program, which he runs on behalf of NSWRL for junior clubs and a host of other sports, charities and community groups.
Langmack has already spoken in 2024 to more than 3,000 young people, working with social workers to give children and teenagers some tips on how to work on their mental fitness.
“I’ve been visiting St Clair Comets this week, which is Stephen Crichton’s junior club,” he said.
“They have 55 teams there and they are doing great work in the community. There are so many good people in Rugby League.”
