Please note this episode and topic may act as a trigger for some people, and this episode is not suitable to listen to within earshot of children.

In this episode, we are joined by Wayne Holdsworth, who shares his heart-wrenching story and important mission. On Tuesday, the 24th of October, Wayne's life was forever changed when he discovered that his son, Mac, had taken his own life at home in Victoria. Faced with the unimaginable task of telling his daughter, Daisy, that her brother had died, Wayne has turned this personal tragedy into a powerful crusade to prevent suicide.

Wayne is now dedicated to raising awareness about the alarming rates of suicide in Australia. Last year alone, 801 people took their own lives in Victoria, with more than 3,200 across Australia. Wayne points out that these numbers are on the rise, creating an epidemic that surpasses the impact of COVID-19 in its devastation.

In honour of his son, Wayne founded the charity "Smack Talk" and now travels the country sharing his story. Through his talks, he educates parents and communities about the warning signs of suicide and provides essential tips for supporting mental health. Wayne's mission is to spread awareness, educate others, and offer practical advice on how we can all contribute to supporting children's mental health and recognising the signs of distress.

We talked about: 

• Wayne's story about how his son passed.
• How Smack Talk was started after his son passed away.
• Statistics and the impact of social media to children's mental health and brain development.
• Reasons some kids take their lives.
• Sextortion in social media.
• How the government could be an ally in making legislative reforms on social media usage.
• Warning signs of suicide and tips for helping people.
• How we can help.

I hope you find this episode not only inspiring, but also educational and informative as Wayne shares his invaluable insights and experiences. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Together, we can make a difference and support each other in preventing such tragedies.

Links mentioned in the episode: 

You can connect with Wayne Holdsworth on his Website and Instagram. 

Other resources where you can find support: 

• Lifeline: 131 114
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467   
• Sextortion: esafety.gov.au

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