For first year Alcoa apprentice, Charlie, it’s his friends who help him through the good times and bad.
“Friends are always there to help my mental health by just being my friends, doing what they do best – keeping me entertained, taking me out and giving me cool things to do”, said Charlie.
“If a mate is having a tough time, I’d much rather they talk to me. I’ve been through tough times, and I like to talk to them because even though it can be hard, talking to someone does make it better. I don’t want anyone to stay silent with it, staying silent is just not good and it’s better to get it out.”
Celebrating mateship, and encouraging real, honest conversations about mental health is what our M8D8 campaign is all about.
Now in its sixth year, M8D8 recognises the important role mates play in the lives of young men, and that showing up when mates are struggling, being there to listen, and supporting them to get help when they need it, can make all the difference.
Mark Barrett-Lennard, Youth Focus Regional Manager for Peel & South-West, sees the importance of these friendships, particularly through the transition from high-school to early adulthood.
“The transition into adulthood can be a messy, confusing and lonely time, and your mates are right there alongside you trying to work it out. The support a mate can give is different from the support a family member or professional can offer,” said Mark.
“These conversations have the power and potential to change the trajectory of a young man’s life, by letting them know they are not alone when things get tough, and reminding them that help is available. It isn’t always easy to do, but if they speak up when they notice a mate isn’t coping so well, it keeps young men safe.”
The M8D8 campaign features videos of young men sharing their perspective on why conversations with mates are so important. Through these videos, and engagement with young men in schools, workplaces and community groups in the Peel region, M8D8 aims to normalise conversations about mental health, build the capacity of young men to support their mates, and reinforce the importance of friendships in achieving positive mental health.
Alcoa, who has supported the campaign since it began in 2021, encourages their apprentices, like Charlie, to get involved in M8D8.
Alcoa Australia Human Resources Director Liz Hodgson said the company was proud to have supported the M8D8 campaign since its inception four years ago.
“As a major employer in the Peel and South West, many of our apprentices, tradespeople and graduates live and work locally, in regional communities where young men can face greater social pressures, isolation and life stressors,” Liz said.
“We care deeply about mental health and wellbeing, not only at our sites, but beyond the gate. Supporting M8D8 reflects our values of care, respect and responsibility, and our commitment to helping young people feel supported at work, at school and in their communities.
“By encouraging early, honest and informed conversations about mental health, M8D8 helps strengthen social connections and reduce the stigma young men can feel about speaking up.
“Sometimes simply checking in with a mate who doesn’t seem like their usual self can make a real difference in helping them get through a tough time before challenges become overwhelming.”
The M8D8 site has lots of great resources to support young men, including conversation cards and ways to help a mate who is struggling. You can also follow M8D8 on Instagram to see what young men have to say about their mates and their mental health.
As Charlie says, “Showing up for your mates is very important, just being there builds a better friendship and a stronger bond. Even if you don’t know how to fix it, just trying to be there for them is good enough.”
M8D8 began in 2021, and was created and developed in collaboration with young men in the Peel Region in response to the impact and high rates of suicide deaths in this age group.
To stay up to date with the campaign, follow @m8d8_wa on Instagram.
