Ambassadors
Well Man Ambassadors was created in 2023 to prevent suicide attempts in regional and remote communities, it does this by creating connections between others to help them live well and reduce loneliness. The program was first launched in Charters Towers in March 2023 with overwhelming community support, and is proudly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments through the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF).
What are Well Man Ambassadors?
Well Man Ambassadors are made up of local individuals who devote their time to their community and are passionate about supporting each others mental and social wellbeing.
The program will allow locals to make themselves known as a support system for someone in distress or a link to vital mental health services available in the region.
Ambassadors will be:
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an approachable role model to their community
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a trained member of the community in suicide intervention
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given the opportunity to engage in community events to promote the Well Man way
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an important link from people in distress to available support within the region
You will be required to:
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support locals and their mental wellbeing.
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have the knowledge to assist locals who may need it.
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undertake a toolbox talk online or in person regarding the process when approached within the community.
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if possible, wear your merchandise in the community on a fortnightly basis.
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overall, to make mates and be a part of the positive change in your community!
Would you like to be a Well Man Ambassador? Express your interest here!
What does being a Well Man Ambassador mean to you?
"It gives me the necessary tools to help my community and encourage conversations about mental health with my mates, something which I am very passionate about"
- Bryn Hicks, Suicide Prevention Coordinator and Well Man Ambassador
Supporting those in need
Overcoming loneliness and encouraging social interaction is a key driving factor behind the philosophy of Well Man Ambassadors. The program offers a welcome and trusting space for those in distress to turn to, offering a non clinical relaxed option to help individuals socialise, learn new skills, make friends and improve on their mental wellbeing.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Queenslanders aged 15-44, regional and remote areas of Queensland have limited access to services for those at risk of suicide. Well Man Ambassadors is a non clinical, early intervention program that is championed by local role models devoted to helping their own community wellbeing.
Charters Towers
Well Man Ambassadors launched its first program in Charters Towers in March 2023, in response to the 2019 flooding event.
The event left communities experiencing significant psychological impacts. The project is proposed as an inclusive program that will allow impacted individuals to receive mental health and wellbeing support in a manner that fosters a connected and cohesive community.
Queensland has recorded the second highest number of deaths by suicide in comparison to other states in Australia.
Northwest Queensland (including Charters Towers, Mt Isa and The Tablelands) has reported a suicide rate of 22.2 (per 100,000), which is 1.5 times higher than the state average.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for individuals aged between 15-44.
Limited access to vital services and remoteness are major factors in higher rates of suicide, which makes the Northwest the second highest suicide rate in Queensland.
This prompted Well Man to develop the community focused solution with the aim to improve the wellbeing of the Charters Towers community, and reduce rates of suicide.
For community wellbeing
Well Man understands that no one knows their community better than locals, that is why our ambassadors are made up of individuals who live and breathe the region. Not only is this important to find dedicated ambassadors, but it helps those in distress within the community have a sense of familiarity when seeking support.
Community engagement is our priority as it helps us understand how best to support our regions, supply the correct training and education to ambassadors, and give the right help to individuals in distress
Well Man Ambassadors is proudly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments through the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF).
The project is aligned with the strategic directions of "After the Flood: A Strategy for long-term recovery". Following the 2019 floods, where suicide rates are exacerbated following a disaster event
