New campaign features men's personal stories
Suicide Prevention Australia in partnership with Australian Men’s Health Forum has launched a new male suicide prevention campaign titled “I found support that worked."
The video campaign, released to mark Men's Health Week from 12-18 June, aims to connect more men with help and support services listed on the Doing It Tough website.
The campaign, centres around a profound realisation that every man's journey, circumstances, and the support he finds are unique. It showcases the stories of four courageous men who share their lived experience and how they overcame their darkest moments through finding help that worked for them.
The campaign, centres around a profound realisation that every man's journey, circumstances, and the support he finds are unique. It showcases the stories of four courageous men who share their lived experience and how they overcame their darkest moments through finding help that worked for them.
At the heart of the campaign lies the Doing It Tough website, a platform which connects men with more than 150 support services based on where they live, the challenges they face and the type of help they need whether it’s clinical, face-to-face, v
virtual, or peer support.
The campaign was created by Suicide Prevention Australia and the Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) in collaboration with Silver Lining Agency.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Nieves Murray said: “Sadly, 3,000 people die by suicide each year and three quarters of those are men. Support services are not always accessible or appropriate for men which is why this campaign provides a sense of hope for those who may not know how to reach out for help.
“These men share deeply personal stories of lived experience and the resounding message is to reach out and talk because each time it becomes easier.
AMHF CEO Glen Poole said, “Too many men are doing it tough, and this can damage their health, their quality of life and even put them at risk of suicide. We know that men may have to try numerous support services before finding one that works for them. We hope that this campaign encourages men to take that first step. Whether you’re struggling with issues around money, mental ill-health, work, relationships or addiction – Doing it Tough has a range of support and services designed to meet men wherever they are.”
Dave, who shared his story of addiction in the campaign, said “I knew I needed support but when you are in the midst of it all, it was hard to know where to turn. Having a resource like Doing It Tough can make all the difference in moments like that.”
Doing It Tough was developed with guidance from an expert Advisory Group of researchers, health professionals and men with lived experience of suicide to ensure it reaches the right people, in the right way. The website is funded by NSW Health under the NSW Government’s Towards Zero Suicides initiative.
Find out more about the campaign and explore the resources available on the Doing It Tough website.
