RAMHP Coordinators, Andy and Phil attended the Men’s Health Gathering in Brisbane in October.
Central to the discussion was the power of community, connection, and voice — with men supporting men, sharing stories, and engaging in creative and social activities that foster wellbeing.
RAMHP’s presence underscored the importance of engaging men outside metro areas, where isolation, limited services, cultural norms, and rigid male stereotypes can compound mental health challenges.
Andy and Phil delivered a presentation in the Men’s Sector Showcase – Reaching Out to Men in Communities where they shared practical insights from their work on the ground, highlighting how tailored, place-based approaches are essential to reaching rural men. Their session focused on priority populations including First Nations men, men in male-dominated industries and younger men, and fathers — groups often underrepresented in mental health conversations.
RAMHP demonstrated key strategies for engaging rural men in mental health and wellbeing conversations:
- Targeting men directly
- Meeting men where they are
- Using male-friendly activities
- Building social connection between men
- Working with men’s strengths
By recognising and responding to the lived experiences of men in regional settings — including the impacts of natural disasters and adversity — RAMHP continues to lead innovative, grassroots efforts to improve mental health outcomes in rural NSW.