Combine lawn bowls with peer support and you have Bowls Gr8 for Brains, a fantastic not-for-profit initiative that has recently launched in Victoria in October. One of our valued member clubs, Chirnside Park Country Club, hosted the opening day amidst a sea of brightly coloured shirts. 

Bowls Gr8 for Brains is a volunteer driven program that operates free regular lawn bowls sessions for Veterans, emergency services personnel and other people living with mental health challenges and disabilities. It provides a space for them to come together and take part in a community activity, get some exercise, and meet other like-minded community members and share their experiences. 

Darryl Coventry, co-founder of Bowls Gr8 for Brains, started the initiative in Albury, NSW. He describes their purpose as: “Our people are committed to finding proactive solutions to the ever-increasing rates of suicide and self-harm in Australia… Bowls is a sport that includes many elements that are proven to be pathways to better mental and physical health.”

Bowls Gr8 for Brains focuses on four key elements of improving mental health – physical exercise, re-integration into social environments, stimulating brain functions and engaging in programs that divert attentions away from previous trauma.

Special guests Neil Dalrymple (CEO Bowls Australia), Federal Member for Casey the Hon Aaron Violi, and the Victorian State Member for Evelyn, Bridget Vallence MP, were in attendance on the opening day at Chirnside. 

Bowls Gr8 for Brains describes themselves as “more than just a social group” as they provide specific peer support and take a holistic approach to helping those in need. You can read more about the program here or visit their Facebook page here.