M8D8: talk things through
Supported by Alcoa and focused on the Peel region of Western Australia, M8D8 encourages young men to talk, listen and share.
For Youth Focus, the mental health and well-being of young people in the Peel region is a priority. Over a third of the young people who access our services in the Peel region have complex mental health needs and are at risk of harm.
Starting the Conversation
M8D8 encourages young men to take the time on May 8 to talk things through with their mates.
- Take the time to check in with a mate.
- No one gets you quite like your mates.
- If you get a message from a mate, take the time to reply.
- If you get a phone call from a mate, take the time to answer.
- Take the time to find out about local support services – for yourself, and for your mates.
- Take the time to listen.
- Make a call, send a message, catch up for a coffee.
- Trust your gut – if a mate seems “off”, they probably are.
- If your mate seems off, let them know you’re there.
- If you’re feeling off, talk to a mate.
- Don’t underestimate the power of talking things through with a mate.
M8D8 encourages young men to take the time to talk things through with their mates - before problems get too big to cope with.
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN YOUR MATES:
- My mate’s got some big stuff going on in his life
- My mate doesn’t seem himself
- My mate isn’t showing up for stuff
- My mate is doing stuff and staying stuff he wouldn’t normally do
- My mate seems really low
- My mate seems angrier than usual and is firing up more quickly
HOW TO CHECK IN WITH A MATE:
- Go and do something together
- Kick a footy
- Go fishing
- Head down to the river
- Go on a car journey
- Do any activity that involves being alongside each other
LET YOUR MATE KNOW YOU’RE THERE
- Ask: “You don’t seem right, what’s going on?”
- Say: “I know you’ve got a lot going on, how are you doing?”
- Keep checking in; don’t take no for an answer, even if you get knocked back
- Listen and be there
SIGNS YOU MIGHT NEED A MATE:
- You’ve got some big stuff going on in your life
- You’re angrier than normal and firing up quickly
- You’re not showing up
- You can’t be bothered doing the stuff you used to love doing
“Having mates means that you don’t feel like you’re fighting battles by yourself.”
– Waldo, Alcoa apprentice
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If you require urgent mental health support, please attend your nearest hospital emergency department or call:
- Mental Health Emergency Response Line on 1300 555 788
- Rurallink on 1800 552 002
- CAMHS Crisis Connect: 1800 048 636
For phone counselling support, please contact:
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- 13Yarn on 13 93 76
To enquire about the services we can provide for you, or someone you know, please call:
(08) 6266 4333 More contact information