Youth Focus to launch Peel men's project

Young men in the Peel region are being encouraged to take part in a new workshop to help combat the rising rate of youth suicide among males.

In the fight against youth suicide, men aged between 18 and 25 are being encouraged to sign up for a large-scale community forum.

The Young Men's project has been designed for men to work together to create real solutions to the growing number of Australian males taking their own lives.

Youth Focus is seeking more than 50 men to participate in the paid workshop taking place at Bendigo Bank Stadium on April 21. 

Young men from across the Peel region will collaborate on ideas, projects and events designed to make it easier for their peer group to seek help and shift the way they think about mental health issues.

Youth Focus Community Engagement General Manager Chris Harris said the Young Men’s project took an innovative and practical approach to reduce suicide by inspiring young men and their mates to help each other.

“We know young men in Australia are three times more likely to take their own lives than young women,” he said. 

"That is why we need to help them feel comfortable and confident to start conversations about mental health with their mate. The Young Men’s Project is about creating a space where young men can openly discuss and prototype mental health strategies relevant to their own communities.

“This is about young men coming up with solutions. Most of the time, these ideas aren’t expensive, technology based or time consuming. They can be the simplest of acts, like a community dinner, a community chat or any conduit that allows young men to let those closest know they may be doing it tough."

Youth Focus has partnered with Alcoa of Australia to stage the Peel forum.

Each participant will be paid $100 to be involved in the day.

Alcoa of Australia Chair and Managing Director Michael Parker said the Youth Focus partnership and project was important to build confidence and resilience in young people in the Peel region.

“The Young Men’s Project is about creating a space where young men can openly discuss and prototype mental health strategies relevant to their own communities," he said. 

“This is about young men coming up with solutions. Most of the time, these ideas aren’t expensive, technology based or time consuming. They can be the simplest of acts, like a community dinner, a community chat or any conduit that allows young men to let those closest know they may be doing it tough."

Latest statistics show 54 young people aged between 15 and 24 took their own lives in Western Australia in 2016.

For every suicide, another 20 people attempt to take their own lives.

Concerned by the number of men taking their own lives, Youth Focus established the Young Men’s Project in 2013 to encourage young males to work together on insightful and effective suicide prevention concepts.

The first Young Men’s Project was held at the Perth Convention Centre in 2015 and subsequent events have been held in Narrogin and Ellenbrook.

To register to take part in the Mandurah Young Men’s Project on April 21 click here. 

If you or someone you know needs urgent support please contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.