This is Behind the Jersey 2.0. After a successful campaign launch in September of 2022 Part 2 of this campaign shares the stories of Kieran Read, Alrie Meleisea, Jack Salt, Maia Wilson, Adam Thomson and Tayla Clement. VOH created this campaign in a bid to normalise conversations around the challenges athletes face, foster more empathy towards athletes, and encourage people to speak out and seek help if they need it.

These interviews explore experiences of grief, body image, injury and illness, bullying, under-representation and much more. These athletes show incredible vulnerability and strength as they share their stories and the tools they used to get them to where they are today. The stories remind viewers that they are never alone in their challenges, and that hope and recovery is possible. Athletes are hugely influential in Aotearoa and create significant impact by sharing their experiences with mental health challenges.

Thank you for watching & listening to our incredible athletes share such vulnerable parts of themselves for our ‘Behind the Jersey 2.0’ Campaign! Their biggest hope is that their stories remind you that you are not alone in your struggles and that it’s not weak to speak!

Below you can find links to support and we really encourage you to access it as needed as.

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger call 111 or you local emergency service.