Movember’s ‘Man of More Words’ campaign for World Suicide Prevention Day emphasises the importance of speaking up when it matters
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and global men’s health charity The Movember Foundation has launched a new campaign challenging men to speak up.
Launching globally, the campaign features radio, press, outdoor and a film directed by Curtis Hill via Goodoil Films
The “Man of More Words” campaign, by Cummins&Partners, emphasises the importance of speaking more, and with more meaning, in preventing suicide, the leading cause of death in Australian men aged 15-44.
Cummins&Partners associate creative director, Adam Slater, says: "We all know a man of few words. I’ve even been described as one myself. But unfortunately for men like us, there are some problems that can’t be solved with a grunt, or a few mumbled syllables.
"It’s in these times that every man, no matter how verbally challenged, needs to find a way to become a man of more words, and tell someone what’s really going on”
A total of 2000 Australian men take their own life each year, and three in four suicides are men.
“One minute of silence is society’s way of reflecting on and honouring significant deaths,” says Movember Foundation global director, mental health and suicide prevention Craig Martin.
“However, in the case of suicide, it is this silence which is killing men. So, to change this, we are encouraging men to speak out for one minute on World Suicide Prevention Day.”
“We’re hoping to show men that to be the best versions of themselves – to be better dads, mates and sons – they need to be men of more words. We want men and their supporters to know that talking, more and with more meaningful words, saves lives.”
The Man of More Words campaign builds off previous Movember Foundation campaigns, including last year's clever 'UnMute' ad.
The campaign will run a for a month and features a series of videos and social media posts along with advertisements across radio and print.
To learn more about the campaign and how to effectively help the men in your life to open up visit www.movember.com/iwanttoask.
How to start a conversation with the men you care about in four simple steps:
1. Ask how they are doing
2. Listen without judgement
3. Encourage action
4. Check in regularly
For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
If life is in danger call 000 or go directly to Emergency Services.
