Male-specific suicide prevention resources with a lived experience lens
Below is a range of resources that provide male-focused lived experience perspectives, stories and insights.
Join the National Men’s Lived Experience of Suicide Network
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.
Over the Fence Conversations | A Podcast
Insightful conversations every month that dive deep into men's lived experience of suicide and mental health challenges!
The casual, opportunistic chats that happen over the fence, so to speak, or between two passing neighbours, or colleagues over coffee, they're just as valid and important as an opportunity to connect and create support.
This podcast is brought to you by Roses in the Ocean, the Australian Men's Health Forum and the National men's Lived Experience of Suicide Network.
This month we are excited to be sharing time with Glenn Cotter. Glenn has many amazing insights that stem from his life and lived experience of suicide. In this episode Glenn shares the power of connection that comes from true listening and focusing on giving people space to hear their own thoughts. Glenn covers insights to shift your own perspective on life and many more great insights.
This month we welcome Scott and Paul from Spoke to a Bloke. Spoke to a Bloke started when their brother and mate sadly took his own life whilst going through some mental health issues. Unfortunately he felt he had no other option and much to their shock and disappointment, no one to talk to.
Discover the extraordinary journey of Tony Martin as he shares his personal battles and ultimate triumphs. From the depths of adversity to becoming a beacon of hope, Tony’s story is one of incredible resilience. Learn about his influential career, including his leadership roles at the Qantas Foundation Museum and within the Defence Force. We also explore his current work with Roses in the Ocean. As a proud father of three, Tony’s kids continue to be his unwavering drive to be a kind human.
Tony is our Head of Community-led Safe Spaces at Roses in the Ocean.
Living with Purpose: A Conversation with Adriel Burley
Join us for a candid and thought-provoking conversation with Adriel Burley, a North Queensland native with a wealth of life experiences. Having lived across Australia, Adriel’s unique perspectives on suicide stem from his own lived experiences of suicide, his personal journey and deep empathy for others.
In this episode, we delve into Adriel’s insights on suicide prevention, the motivations behind his tireless work, and his vision for a significant shift in addressing male suicide. Discover how Adriel’s lived experiences have shaped his understanding of suicide and his commitment to making a difference.
This month we are excited to be sharing some time with Ryan Hassan, co-founder and CEO at The Centre for Healing.
Ryan suffered from anxiety for as long as he could remember and that manifested in many destructive patterns throughout his life, culminating in a hardcore drug addiction. A long journey, has led him to co-creating The Centre for Healing, to help people who have had similar experiences, and is now a qualified Trauma Therapist.
This month, we had the privilege of sitting down with Nathan Bolton, a former Special Operations Engineer who served two tours in Afghanistan. Nathan has faced life’s toughest challenges both on and off the battlefield, including his own lived experience of suicide.
In this raw and honest conversation, we delve into Nathan’s experiences, his wisdom on navigating life’s storms, and the importance of being a good mate. You’ll gain valuable insights into mental health, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Nathan is a passionate mental health advocate and author of “Trigger Warning | A Special Operations Engineer in Afghanistan.” To learn more about his journey and his book, click the link below.
Webinars
This video is an open and frank discussion offering practical support and insight for the Defence and Veteran community as the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide begins in Australia. Speaking in this video are powerful voices within our Lived Experience Collective – Tynan Narywonczyk, Adriel Burley (Senior Project Officer for Operation Compass – The Oasis Townsville), and Michael Burge (Veteran with a lived experience of suicide and an experienced Veteran Peer Worker) – with extensive advocacy work in suicide prevention for the veteran-community.
An honest, open, and practical conversation about male suicide with three men with a lived experience of suicide.
With Tynan Narywonczyk as Facilitator, and Paul Klotz, Damian Rayner and Daniel Hynes.
Lived Experience Collective members James Gallacher, Bruce McMillan, Graeme Holdsworth and Glen Poole talk to each other about suicide.
Interviews
“He didn’t tell me what I needed to do. He didn’t try and tell me what I should do or how I should help myself or how he was going to help me, he just sat and talked. We probably sat and talked for 2 hours.”
In this open and honest interview, Glenn tells us how a good friend reached out and how he let himself be vulnerable enough to share what was truly going on with him.
“There are things you can do. It’s not a hopeless situation.” – Josh reflects on his personal journey after losing his brother to suicide.
Andrew
The death of his 22-year-old brother, James, to suicide challenged Andrew’s understanding of mental health and suicide, his faith and his behaviour as a male.
Watch video below
Graeme
Graeme Holdsworth is a retired architect who has spent most of his professional career in project management, on large-scale developments such as the Crown Casino. On the surface, all appeared well, but dig a little deeper and the cracks were beginning to show.
Listen to podcast below
Mark
Mark discusses the unique situations same sex couples face when their partner dies by suicide. He also talks about how the system viewed same sex couples over 10 years ago when there was little protection or official acknowledgement of same sex couples in the community or the law.
Listen to podcast below
Kym
A single farmer, living alone, with too much time to think about life’s challenges. Kym’s story of isolation and remoteness is likely to resonate with many living in rural and regional Australia.
Watch video below
Justin
Justin Geange is a family man and tireless worker for suicide prevention, with the charity Mates In Construction. A man of faith, he reveals how surviving suicide has taught him the importance of living in the moment and appreciating the small things in life.
Listen to podcast below
Tynan
Tynan Narywonczyk is a young man who rebuilt his life after a crippling workplace accident that left him in a coma and on work cover for three years. Tynan shares how the recovery process and the endless negative assessment of his future by his doctors led him to suicidal thoughts.
Listen to podcast below
Tom
Best mates Tom and Adam ‘grew into men with each other’ until six years ago, when Adam took his own life. Tom discusses the grieving process, the darkness, and the supportive networks around him.
Watch video below
Les “the Gunnadoo cowboy”
Such was the workload and emotion associated with the tragedy of the 2011 floods, Les began to feel a sense of detachment and isolation from the ones he loved. This culminated in the return of depression and suicidal ideation. Les talks about the road to recovery, along with the struggles he still faces.
Listen to podcast below
Andy
As a police officer, Andy personally witnessed suicide and the impacts that it had on communities and families, but he never foresaw a time when a young officer would knock on his door to tell him of the tragic loss of his son, Glen. Andy speaks about the prevailing stigma in the police force around suicide.
Listen to podcast below
Reflections of my lived experience
Why I grow hair – Justin Geange
Read Justin’s Reflections piece below
Projects, research, or resources addressing male suicide
New guide helps men to help a mate
One way men can “make time for mates” is by reaching out to mates who may be struggling in some way. With this in mind, the Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF), produced the “How to Help a Mate Doing it Tough” guide.
