RALLY4EVER was very privileged to host a breakfast at the NSW Parliament House on the 17th November 2024, during Mental Health Month. Our speakers and esteemed guests were The Hon Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Mental Health, and Dr Marjorie O'Neill MP, Member for Coogee. 

The event highlighted the urgent need to address mental health issues, particularly loneliness, which is increasingly prevalent in Australia. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the initiative aimed to spotlight innovative approaches to mental health support and community engagement, underlining the importance of collective action in tackling these pressing challenges at a local community level.

The Hon Rose Jackson MLC said “When I heard about this program I knew immediately how impactful it was going to be. We really acknowledge and value what you do, and we want to partner with you to make sure that more people can have this opportunity.

Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP said “I think what Rally4ever is doing is tapping into this bigger part of getting out and moving and addressing early intervention when it comes to mental health. We know that when you're out in a social environment and you're active, you feel better and you're happier ”

Pilot research conducted by the Black Dog Institute has evaluated the effectiveness of RALLY4EVER in enhancing positive mood, empathy, and social inclusion among participants. The Black Dog Institute has found positive benefits to participants that have engaged with RALLY4EVER programs with the benefits rising the longer the time that the participant is engaged with the tennis and social connection program.

Louise Pleming, Founder of RALLY4EVER, said, "I can see and feel the impact on the people in our programs that keep coming back each week. They share with us how their lives are improving since they started coming to the programs. I see how they are developing meaningful relationships, which makes such a difference to their well being. Our program is more than an intervention program; it is a solution for so many people who have been struggling"