The impactful M8D8 campaign was named joint winner in its category last night, as outstanding contributions to the mental health and wellbeing of Western Australians were celebrated at the 2024 WA Mental Health Awards.
The Awards are hosted annually by the Western Australian Association for Mental Health with the support of the Mental Health Commission to recognise individuals, schools, workplaces, service providers and community organisations improving the mental health and wellbeing of Western Australians.
Developed by Youth Focus and proudly supported by Alcoa, the M8D8 campaign – which aims to help tackle the isolation of young men experiencing psychological distress and mental health challenges – was joint winner of the Prevention or Promotion Award for its positive impact promoting mental health awareness for young men, alongside joint winner Blackwood Youth Association’s Youth Space – BYA Connect.
M8D8 is focused on the Peel and South West where mental health support is limited, and encourages and empowers young men to show up for each other during tough times, and lean into friendship to help overcome issues before they become too big to cope with.
Led by Mark Berrett-Lennard, Youth Focus Regional Manager for Peel and the South West, the campaign was co-designed by a group of young men and has since been shared in schools, community groups and sporting clubs across the region, as well as within local employers including Alcoa.
“Many young men in the Peel and South West regions are struggling with loneliness and isolation, which is often compounded by remoteness from the services they need to support them,” says Mark. “M8D8 is such an important campaign, because it encourages mates to look out for each other and maintain their connections.”
Corporate Affairs Director Jodie Read said Alcoa was proud to work alongside Youth Focus on such an important initiative and to have some of the company’s apprentices feature in the campaign.
“As one of the largest employers in the Peel region, we know it’s important to support and highlight mental health issues among our employees,” Ms Read said.
“Featuring our apprentices in the campaign has helped amplify its visibility and the conversations M8D8 is designed to initiate.”
With more than 100 nominations across nine award categories this year, it is a true testament to the contribution and positive impact M8D8 has had across the region to not only be named a finalist, but to take home the final award.
Youth Focus was also proud to sponsor the Innovation in Service Delivery Award, which recognises an organisation who has driven change for better mental health outcomes through innovation.
A massive congratulations to Luminos Project – a partnership between Ruah Community Services, Samaritans WA, Telethon Kids Institute and the University of Western Australia – which took out the award for their innovative new service that provides a therapeutic space to stay for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts.
To learn more about the M8D8 campaign, visit the M8D8 page or follow M8D8 on Instagram.
For the full list of finalists and winners, visit: Celebrating WA’s Mental Health Award winners | Western Australian Government