New LENS on the prevention of male suicide
The National Men’s Lived Experience of Suicide Network will now be known as Men’s LENS, marking a significant step in its development as a leading voice for change in male suicide prevention.
Co-chaired by Tynan Narywonczyk from Roses in the Ocean and Jonathan Bedloe from the Australian Men’s Health Forum, Men’s LENS aims to champion authentic reform in policies and practices that affect men at risk of suicide. The network’s approach is centred on the “unmatched credibility and wisdom” of lived experience, positioning its members as essential contributors to prevention strategies across government and community sectors.
The rebrand reflects a broader ambition to build a coordinated national network that can influence decision-making at every level. Men’s LENS intends to inform the development and implementation of suicide prevention policies, ensuring they are more effective at reaching and supporting men.
The network is already running quarterly online gatherings and producing Over the Fence Conversations, a podcast series featuring candid discussions about men’s mental health and suicidality. These activities are designed to elevate lived-experience voices and expand public understanding of the challenges men face.
Looking ahead, Men’s LENS has outlined an extensive roadmap. Plans include forming specialised working groups focused on specific populations and issues, hosting informal online sessions to maintain regular connection points, and developing a curated digital platform where members can share their stories. Additional initiatives include online training, advocacy campaigns, a collaborative digital library of resources, and an annual in-person gathering.
Membership is open to men with lived experience of suicide. By centring the insights of men who have survived a suicidal crisis, the network is positioned to drive meaningful system change — from service design and policy reform to public awareness and community support.
Men interested in contributing or learning more about the network are encouraged to connect with Men’s LENS as it moves into this new phase of growth and national collaboration. LEARN MORE