Destigmatising mental illness in sport

Livin for Hockey (LFH)
Decent. Openhearted. Free

Leigh McIntosh is a driving force behind a movement that makes hockey players feel welcome regardless of their mental health or economic circumstances.

Leigh, who lives with Borderline Personality Disorder, has been playing hockey since his youth and is grateful for the support he received from the community. This safety net has inspired him to give back as a volunteer for the__ Livin for Hockey (LFH)__ initiative.

Leigh and his LFH colleagues live by the mantra “Teammates for Life”. Their efforts remove barriers to participation and reduce stigma. LHF provides players with hockey equipment and negotiates fee relief with clubs around Australia. Leigh has found the state and national governing bodies incredibly supportive of his efforts.

Leigh also has a passion for mental health first aid training for hockey officials across Australia and spends much of his time visiting different clubs.

He hopes his work encourages hockey participants to look out for each other’s mental health and their own.

He feels excited to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I am extremely grateful to all of those who support me and our organisation. It shows an appreciation of what we are trying to achieve and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Livin for Hockey will use its funds to buy 125 starter hockey equipment packs for disadvantaged youth.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here