A new hotline and support network to assist participants in the breeding and racing industry in Victoria with mental health issues has been launched.
Behind the Barriers, was developed by former racehorse trainer Jason Petch after identifying an enormous lack of resources available for industry participants that were suffering from depression, isolation and despair.
"The launch of Behind The Barriers is crucial in raising awareness with employees of the thoroughbred industry, to let them know that they can call our support number, 1300 GETHELP (1300 438 4357) and receive vital, immediate and confidential support and counselling," Petch said.
The hotline will be open 24 hours a day, every day of the year and callers will be able to speak to a senior psychologist. If the senior psychologist and caller mutually determine that they need to visit a clinical psychologist, Behind The Barriers will fund the first three sessions.
Having battled his own depression demons, and becoming disconnected from his work, friends and family, as well as tragically losing three of his close colleagues in a short space of time, Petch understands better than most how hard and dark mental illness can be.
"Behind The Barriers will provide an independent service that is built on trust and confidence. We are going to be accessible and visible to participants, travelling to the races, at trackwork, visiting stud farms and breeders, at the yearling sales and industry events," Petch said.
"We will be presenting to employees to encourage them to make the call, ring 1300 GETHELP, because it's not weak to call, it's weak if you don't."
Behind the Barriers supports not only direct employees in the racing and breeding industry, but also farriers, dentists, vets, barrier attendants, syndicators, horse transport drivers, and bloodstock agents and their immediate family members.
TBV President James O'Brien said initiative such as Behind The Barriers were critical for the breeding industry.
"The breeding sector can be stressful at times and often staff are working in isolated situations out on farms so it is important for them to have access to support networks or hotlines such as this," O'Brien said.
Legendary race-caller Bryan Martin helped launch Behind The Barriers at Moonee Valley Racecourse and is passionate about doing everything possible to help people battling the "silent enemy".
"Mental illness holds you prisoner, it can touch any person, any family, at any time, and while one in five Australians can be affected, in the racing industry this figure is as high as one in three. That's damming, so today we are jumping out of the barriers with Behind the Barriers, to give all vulnerable participants the support they desperately need," Martin said.
Also lending his encouragement and experience to the cause is Melbourne Cup-winning trainer, John Sadler who like Petch, has also battled depression over the years.
"It's a terrible thing, and initially I didn't realise there was something wrong. I was so burnt out, and unless it has happened to you, you have no understanding of the suffering. It's so great that we are all talking about it now, and it's important we all continue to talk about it, to help those around us. Now I talk to my staff, make sure they are ok, not to be ashamed and let them know that there is help available," Sadler said.
Jason Petch said Behind the Barriers has received wonderful support from sponsors Mitavite, Acacia Connections and Moonee Valley Racing Club for providing the launch venue. Richard White has donated the 1300 GETHELP line while Directors Michelle Richards and Nardine Keriakous have volunteered their time. TR Equine Solutions has assisted with marketing and Old Label with website design.
"However, to assist with the ongoing operation of Behind The Barriers, we need to raise awareness and secure further financial help from donations," Petch said.
"We will fundraise through tough mudder days, golf days, gala dinners, stallion nomination auctions, even rattling tins. We will do everything we can to help the foundation provide this support to the people that need it most in the industry."
Behind The Barriers will endeavour to free the thoroughbred workforce of mental illness and disease and give all participants the opportunity to enjoy happy, productive and fulfilling careers in the racing and breeding industry.
Further information about donating to Behind The Barriers and its range of services provided is available atwww.behindthebarriers.org.au.
