‘Suicide Notes Talk Too Late’ New Campaign For Movember Foundation

This Saturday (September 10) is World Suicide Prevention Day, in the lead up the Movember Foundation has released a moving ad targeting men struggling with mental health issues, depression and suicidal thoughts.

A press release on the YouTube link explains: “The intention of this campaign from the Movember Foundation is to give male suicide the urgent attention it deserves and to take a bold stand towards protecting men’s health.

“It’s all about igniting conversations. Important conversations about suicide, the complex issues that surround it and what everyone can do to address it. Conversations that we hope will save countless lives and prevent the far-reaching and painful consequences for the families, friends and communities of the men we tragically lose everyday. It’s an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s one we know we need to have.”

The video directs viewers to the Movember Foundation website, where they can find additional resources and learn about the men featured in the ad. The campaign has been well received, with social media comments largely praising the campaign.

YouTube comments:

• Powerful and emotive. It carries the message perfectly. Well done.
• Wow….a great piece of work. A truly touching and honest video.
• Well done, very thought provoking
• this is one of the best one minute videos I’ve seen in a long time

Instagram comments:

• This hits so close to home and is what I will be raising money for next month.
• Speak up. #stopthedeathlysilence
• Wow, that really got to me – hits home.
• I think this is amazing. People all around the world need to rais awareness about male mental health

Owen Sharp, Movember Foundation CEO, said: “We wanted to create a powerful piece of content that would ignite important conversation about suicide, the complex issues that surround it and what everyone can do to address it. Conversations that we hope will save lives and prevent the far-reaching and painful consequences for the families, friends and communities of the men tragically lost every day. It’s an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s one that needs to be had, here in Australia and around the world.”

Jim Ingram, executive creative director at Cummins&Partners added: “Our agency has proudly taken steps into the complex world of mental health, and we are trying to do our bit to alleviate the mental health struggles many Australian’s have. For too many men, the first (and often only) time they really open up about how they are feeling, is in a suicide note. We need to help men start talking well before it ever comes to this.”

CREDITS

Credits

Client: Movember Foundation

Jeremy Macvean

Juliette Smith

Agency: Cummins&Partners

Creative Contributors: Adam Slater, Regina Stroombergen, James Bennet,

Jim Ingram & Ben Couzens, Adam Ferrier, Nikia Shepherd, Tom Ward, Emma Fox, Jess Thompson, Graeme Phillips

Production Co: Mr Smith

Producer: Helene Nicol

Director: Craig MacLean

Stills Photography: Craig MacLean

Cameraman: Matt Toll and Earle Dresner

Editor: Seth Lockwood

Post Production: Method Studios

Sound: Rodney Lowe

Sound Studio: Production Alley

Music: Bryony Marks

Camera Gear: Panavision Asia – Greg Lloyd

And additional help from:

Grant Wilson

Terry Kelly

Rick McMullen

Fleet Lighting

Brendon Guthrie

Full Press release:

Men, we need to talk. Go to weneedtotalk.movember.com for more information on how to start important conversations and share this video to keep the conversation going.

To speak with someone immediately, contact your local 24-hour crisis support service. Details are listed on weneedtotalk.movember.com. #weneedtotalk #WSPD #movember

Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Around the world, on average we lose a man to suicide every minute of every day. This is a social crisis that demands our immediate action.

The intention of this campaign from the Movember Foundation is to give male suicide the urgent attention it deserves and to take a bold stand towards protecting men’s health.

It’s all about igniting conversations. Important conversations about suicide, the complex issues that surround it and what everyone can do to address it. Conversations that we hope will save countless lives and prevent the far-reaching and painful consequences for the families, friends and communities of the men we tragically lose everyday. It’s an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s one we know we need to have.

Too many men are ‘toughing it out’, keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling alone with their issues. It’s time to break this silence and recognize that a key to overcoming even the biggest problems is for men to talk more. Not about trivial stuff, but about the significant changes and challenges going on in their lives – things like difficulties with work or finances, the breakdown of a relationship, overwhelming family responsibilities or a significant set back. These things happen regularly and, for some, have the potential to derail or be more overwhelming than they’d imagined.

This campaign tackles male suicide with a powerful but simple message… “Men, let’s talk when things get tough”. Like everything the Movember Foundation does, it’s been important that this message is delivered with realness and authenticity. That’s why the stories of men with a personal experience of suicide are featured in the video. They are the most powerful voices in suicide prevention – they truly understand the challenges and are proof that there is a brighter future ahead. Family members and friends who have lost men to suicide have also had a significant role in shaping our message. We’re extremely grateful to the many passionate people who have invested their ideas, hearts and stories into this campaign.

This campaign forms part of the Movember Foundation’s suicide prevention strategic approach – encouraging men to reach out, particularly during times of change and when things get tough, and to take action sooner rather than later to reduce the risk of suicide.

Our number one priority in creating this video was to do no harm. The messages and images were developed through extensive consultation with mental health and suicide prevention experts, clinicians and those with a lived experience of suicide. The story of resilience in the resolution of the message is designed specifically to give hope and empower the community to take positive action to help reduce male suicide.

If you suffer from depression or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.