The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to support the wellbeing of the people of New South Wales, and destigmatise conversations about mental health, particularly for men, with the inaugural Men's Mental Health Forum being held today.
The landmark Forum, hosted at New South Wales Parliament, will bring together mental health advocates, experts and those with a lived experience of mental illness, with the aim of raising awareness of men's mental health, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and working towards lowering men's suicide rates.
New South Wales accounts for the most male deaths by suicide in Australia. In 2023 alone, there were 934 suspected deaths by suicide in New South Wales, with men accounting for 78 per cent of these tragedies.
Lead by Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson and in partnership with with the Movember Institute of Men's Health, the event will include high profile advocates for men's mental health, Rugby League legend Greg Inglis and former Australian cricketer and MAFS star, Cam Merchant.
The event will be facilitated by Dr Zac Seidler, Movember Men's Health Research.
The Forum will:
- facilitate constructive discussions on men's mental health and suicide prevention,
- enable the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and strategies to address men's suicide and mental health,
- help guide the direction of future suicide prevention initiatives targeting men, and
- encourage networking and collaboration between men's mental health and suicide prevention stakeholders.
This event follows the announcement that the NSW Government is working to deliver landmark whole of government suicide prevention legislation within this term of Parliament, with the process of consultation with people with lived and living experiences of suicidal distress beginning in July.
If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). For those contemplating suicide or experiencing severe distress, the following helplines are available 24/7:
