Picture: TAHLIA FACER
By Angela Norval
After many years’ experience in the areas of community development, mental health, disability services and suicide prevention, Brave Brothers Men’s Health is the realisation of a dream for director David Facer.
Known not only as a outgoing character who welcomes the opportunity to help anyone he can, David and his team are focused on breaking the stigma surrounding men’s health and wellbeing to create a positive future.
Brave Brothers is a non-government mental health organisation and charity.
David said through not only his work life, but also community commitments, he had seen only too often that while we encourage people to buy local or produce local, we were often farming out our support services in areas like mental health to multinational companies.
“I know that it is important to be able to provide support, guidance and awareness across a variety of areas of mental health and to be able to provide a local perspective and someone they know and can connect with,” he said.
“As the name suggests, Brave Brothers is aimed towards men and masculine services that we are raising awareness of, as well as the braveness that taking that first step towards getting help can often bring, while also celebrating that brotherly connection of affection and connection.
“I believe there are no local groups out there doing exactly what we hope to deliver to the community which is men’s health awareness campaigns, providing mental health support services and providing suicide awareness and prevention training.
“Our one major difference is that we actually want to get out there in the community directly to where the men are whether in their work, social or sporting setting.”
David said he appreciated that men were not conditioned to reach out, Brave Brothers wanted to understand that it can take time to deal with a personal situation but it was about taking that first step and sharing with others and looking for guidance, support and encouragement.
“Whether it is two or 20 guys, I want them to have a place where they feel able to have that conversation and make that connection and for their mates to even be able to spot the signs that there may be something not quite right.
“For us it is all about prevention, whatever area we are working with, right through to even not always talked about sides of life like obesity and finding specific solutions for men.
“If we can possibly even save a life through Brave Brothers than I am happy, because way too often we see people slip under the radar.”
Through his commitment to Brave Brothers, David is well supported by an advisory board including senior solicitor and fellow Rotarian Ryan Mitchell who is community minded but can also provide important legal information as well to make sure this aspect is covered.
Also on board are accounting and tax partner at Carbon Group Jesse Williamson for correct advice with book work and initial set up, Scott Lamond from ABC.
“These are just some of the board members who are able to provide support, encouragement and ideas as well as lets face it some guidance to me as well.
“We have a dedicated group of local business owners as sponsors but always welcome other sponsors who have an infinity to men’s mental health and are looking to help improve awareness across all areas.
“We are also seeking partnering opportunities for launch events in June, including volunteers (MENtors) to help.
“We have only just begun and with national occasions such as Men’s Health Month on the horizon we will be highlighting lots of ways that people can become involved with us including Men’s Walk and Talk at Bargara on the shorefront and Bundaberg Riverside.
“Personally though, I always welcome a phone call or for people to have a look over our website, bravebrothers.org”
