The National Men’s Lived Experience of Suicide Network builds on work from the Roses in the Ocean Lived Experience of Suicide Summit of 2021. The Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) was invited to co-chair a session with Roses in the Ocean specifically focusing on male suicide. At that LE Summit, the Network was established as one small way in which we can do our bit to address the concerning fact that 75% of suicides in Australia are by males.
The National Men’s Lived Experience of Suicide Network (NMLESN) is primarily an online forum, meeting monthly. We may occasionally meet at conferences or other events where there is likely to be representation. The Network will provide connection, learning, and opportunities to contribute to suicide prevention policy and program development.
On 29 November 2023 the National Men's Lived Experience of Suicide Network we'd like to introduce you to our guest speaker, Brendan Barry.
Brendan is a Board Director and leads the wilderness-based treks with the not-for-profit Trojan's Trek.
Currently, Brendan holds a pivotal role as the Program Development Coordinator for Wellbeing Support and the Critical Incident Stress Management Program at the Department of Police, Fire, and Emergency Management in Tasmania. With his deep understanding of mental health challenges from personal experience, Brendan is driven by a fiery passion to enhance Mental Health literacy, reshape conversations around mental health, and advocate for the power of lived experience.
Enjoying fishing, socialising, politics and camping, Brendan also is the father of a son who is all heart, Callan, and a strong-willed 11 year old daughter, Bella.
Brendan firmly believes that a holistic approach is essential, one that combines clinical expertise with a lived experience workforce. Alongside treating the signs and symptoms of mental illness, Brendan emphasises the significance of exploring our identities, beliefs, and values, as well as fostering a strong sense of purpose for both recovery and living a truly fulfilling life.
View last month's meeting with guest speaker, Ben Hughes, co-founder of The Men's Table