Suicide is the lead cause of death for Australian men between 15 and 44 - Wollongong initiative #talk2mebro has worked to change that since it's inception in 2018.
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One participant, Nick McNamara, says he has seen it save lives.
"A lot of guys struggle to find anything deeper than going to the pub with the boys, but a lot of guys are screaming out for more," he said.
"To be around other guys who are still manly men but are happy to show their vulnerable side or talk about how they feel it gives another man that space to get comfortable to do the same.
"It's really inspiring to see. Guys who are really struggling, it gives them something positive in their life when they might not have anything.
"At the end of the day it saves lives. I've seen it."
The #talk2mebro campaign was founded by Wollongong woman Kristy Hajjar in 2018 after she lost her husband to suicide.
To raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention in the Illawarra a black tie fundraiser will be held at City Beach Wollongong on Friday, May 14.
A lot of guys struggle to find anything deeper than going to the pub with the boys
- Nick McNamara
The money raised from the night will go towards #Walkwithmebro as well as other initiatives in the Illawarra and Newcastle regions.
#Walkwithmebro will see Wollongong's Jack Brown and Luke Conners walk from Perth to Sydney, starting in July. That's 4000kms for an estimated 4000 lives lost in the last year alone to suicide.
During the walk Jack and Luke will facilitate group sessions to over 25,000 Australians spread through all 150 towns they are passing through, educating people on how to help themselves when they are struggling, and how to have tough conversations that could save a mate.
Mr McNamara said he had personally experienced the benefits of the group sessions held here in the Illawarra.
On Friday mornings the #talk2mebro crew gather for a conversation, breath work and a cold swim - followed by a cuppa.
"I've been attending their meeting every week now since October," the 35-year-old plumber said.
"At the start I had to rush off to get to work but I talked to my boss about it and he's given me the space to spend the time there with them."
Mr McNamara said he felt many men struggled to build their own social networks outside of work and family.
"You can't find a more welcoming group of guys," he said.
"You can just go along and have a cup of coffee, or if you're feeling low there's a crew that will support you and if you ever needed it they'd jump to help you as far as mental health goes."
To purchase a ticket to the black tie event, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/talk2mebro-black-tie-event-tickets-151428234927?fbclid=IwAR3iP3jEcpM7PqkMTKFW0NCMbh7aP37wlTe5kKIi0uomkb2W13FhXMRGoL8
Each ticket covers a three course meal and four hour drinks package as well as entertainment.
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