The vision is an Australia with no suicide.
It’s a big mission, but it’s one that a group of Forbes volunteers are absolutely passionate about working towards - one connection at a time.
Gabe and Brad McMillan have brought Talk2Me Bro to Forbes and are coordinating free regular catch-ups through the organisation.
You might have seen their social media ads extending an invitation to free community catch-ups - the ice bath pictures might have caught your eye.
It’s now 12 months since the first community event the registered charity hosted in Forbes and more than 200 people have joined them over the months since.
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Talk2Me Bro, the organisation, was born out of loss and it exists to end male suicide.
It was heartbreaking loss in our own community that brought it to Forbes, and the McMillans and their crew are determined to break down the stigma around mental health and suicide.
They see the pressure that’s being put on young males – and females – to have it all together all the time and they want to create a safe space where people can look after themselves and each other.
“We just thought enough was enough,” Gabe said.
“There was a real identification of the lack of support networks – we’re not really saying psychologists but actually people on the ground, ready to support people, and to give them a very safe space to be vulnerable.
“We started to look at what sort of support could be available and Talk2Me Bro really spoke to us.”
The catch-ups are that space.
There are dedicated monthly catch ups for men and for women, as well as four community catch ups (where both men and women are welcome) a year.
They’re a place where there’s space to breathe, to look after yourself, away from other pressures. One of the first things you might notice is there are no participants on their phone.
It’s a place where people are willing to listen, where they’re learning to have courageous conversations that could save lives.
Because Talk2Me Bro is all about breaking down the stigma around mental health and suicide.
“Brothers don’t let brothers fight alone” is their mandate and one you’ll increasingly see on t-shirts and jumpers around Forbes.
So what happens at the catch ups?
It’s important to know you choose how much you take part in.
The catch ups are free, they’re open to the community, and they involve breath work and ice baths, as well as a cuppa and a yarn.
“For 20 minutes or so we ‘re going to ask you to lay down, sit with yourself, and lean into how you’re feeling,” Gabe said.
“And go through all different breath practices which will give you the opportunity to open up your diaphragm and your space.
“To actually feel how you’re feeling can be extremely uncomfortable. But when you give yourself time you’re able to process things that could be in your body and in your mind and that will allow you to release emotions. And those emotions need to come out in order for you to put more good stuff in.”
Talk2Me Bro are there to create the safe space for that to take place, Gabe said.
Once you’ve taken time for yourself, you can hold a safe space for someone else, Gabe said.
Next there is time to sit up and ask the person next to you how they are, how their experience was.
Ice baths might be something that’s new and the thought of doing them in winter sounds even more uncomfortable, but they’re a real mood changer, Gabe said.
“It’s an opportunity to use your breath to do something uncomfortable – to show you that you can do that,” Gabe said.
“It enhances your mental resilience.
“When we’re standing around the ice baths, we might be having a coffee, we’re yarning, we’re learning, we’re talking, literally offering a space for people to come together to connect, to be open, to be honest and to be safe – and to talk.”
Talk2Me Bro has self care and self development guides for participants to give people more tools to navigate life.
“It’s really important to calm your mind and to give your mind a break, your mind’s such a powerful tool,” Gabe said.
CONNECT
Talk2MeBro hosts a women’s catch up on the second Sunday of every month and a men’s catch up on the fourth Sunday.
They can be at the ski dam or at the Boys to the Bush office, depending on weather, and community members are welcome. It’s just asked that younger teens / children come along with an adult.
The best way to keep in touch is through Instagram and facebook – they’re online under Talk2MeBro_centralwestnsw
They’ll always post the details ahead of their catch ups.
Talk2MeBro has received sponsorship from Forbes Shire Council and Northparkes to continue to support the central west.
FOR IMMEDIATE SUPPORT
If there is immediate risk of harm call 000
Lifeline provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support service: call 13 11 14
The Suicide Call Back Service is a 24 hour, nationwide service that provides free telephone, video and online counselling, call 1300 65 94 67
Kids Helpline is a free Australian telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25, call 1800 55 1800.
