Suicide Prevention Australia, in partnership with Australian Men’s Health Forum, has today launched Doing It Tough? – the first integrated platform of its kind for men in New South Wales who may be looking for support when things get tough. It has been funded by NSW Health under the NSW Government’s Towards Zero Suicides initiative.
Doing It Tough? is an easy-access platform to help men find services, resources and other support in their local community, or in extended networks, or via preferred organisations.
Individuals are able to search the platform via various filters that fit their needs including cultural, location, age, and industry profiles. Services are categorised into four areas: clinical, specialist, community-based, and male-friendly.
Importantly, the platform identifies those services where men can have safe conversations around issues they are facing in their personal lives, including thoughts of suicide.
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.
Suicide Prevention Australia Lived Experience Advisor, Jorgen Gullestrup said, “It is important that services such as Doing It Tough? are designed from the perspective of the intended users first. What makes sense for me when I am struggling is likely to make sense for other men like me when they are struggling. Reaching out for help can be so difficult when things are tough. Doing It Tough? allows us to dip a toe in the help-seeking water, but even more likely it is a tool for offering help to your mate. A place you can visit together, because no one should have to struggle on their own.”
Suicide Prevention Australia Acting CEO, Matthew McLean said, “Sadly, three out of every four people who die by suicide are men. Support services are not always accessible or appropriate for men. That’s precisely why Doing It Tough? has been created – a place for men to decide for themselves what is appropriate for their need.
“One size fits all will not work for male suicide prevention. This new platform offers up a fully integrated experience where men can locate a service that feels right for them, whether it’s a men’s group in the community, specialist support or information resources online.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor officially launched the platform today at NSW Parliament House in Sydney.
“Suicide prevention is a key focus for the NSW Government. Whether you need to talk to a medical professional or just want to talk to someone who is going through the same thing, Doing it Tough? is a space where men can go to find the help they need,” said Mrs Taylor
Australian Men’s Health Forum CEO, Glen Poole said, “Too many men in NSW are doing it tough and this can damage their health, their quality of life and even put them at risk of suicide. The Doing it Tough? website has some great links to information and services that men can connect with from national helplines to local men’s groups. We hope that men who are struggling with issues around money, work, relationships, drugs and alcohol and other challenges will check out the Doing it Tough? website. As well as links to helplines, mental health services and specialist advice, there’s also information on lots of male-friendly groups run by men for men.”
Mr McLean said, “It’s important to remember, you do not have to go this alone. Help is always available no matter who you are or what situation you are in. If you are feeling distress, please reach out and access the various support services that are available.
“We can never underestimate the impact that every life lost to suicide has on family, friends, workplaces and the broader community,” said Mr McLean
Statistics
- More than three-quarters of suicide deaths occur in males; in 2020, 3,139 Australians died by suicide, 2,384 (76%) of whom were males. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/latest-release] accessed 22 October 2021).
- Ambulances respond to over 16,800 calls each year from males experiencing suicidal ideation and a further 9,000 ambulances respond to a suicide attempt. (Beyond the Emergency: A National Study of Ambulance Responses to Men’s Mental Health. Report. Turning Point and Monash University, Beyond Blue. Richmond, VIC, 2019, p. 8.)
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to https://mindframe.org.au/
Media enquiries:
Clare Kinsella 0427 689 689 or clarek@suicidepreventionaust.org
Amelia Banks 0410 591 134 or ameliab@suicidepreventionaust.org
About Suicide Prevention Australia
Suicide Prevention Australia is the national peak body and we’ve been providing support for Australia’s suicide prevention sector for more than 25 years. We support and advocate for our members to drive continual improvement in suicide prevention policy, programs and services. Our reach is broad, including member organisations, governments, businesses, researchers, practitioners and those with lived experience. We are focused on an integrated approach to suicide prevention encompassing mental health, social, economic and community factors. We believe that through collaborative effort and shared purpose, we can achieve our vision of a world without suicide.
