Date Time Help at hand as mental health referrals rise As excitement and nerves build in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, AIS CEO Peter Conde has encouraged athletes and sport staff to prioritise mental health and wellbeing and seek support if needed. The AIS has seen a 79 per cent increase in demand for the AIS Mental Health Referral Network (MHRN) at the start of 2021 compared to the same period last year. The MHRN has also received as many referrals in March 2021 as were received in January and February combined. The impact of COVID was the primary or secondary issue in about 80 per cent of the referrals, but Games preparation and selection, work stress and general wellbeing were also among the key themes.