In this episode of the Running for Resilience Podcast, Ben Alexander sits down with Steph O’Neill and Mark Nicholson from Torrens Primary School, and Adam Hall from Canberra Grammar School, to explore the first year of Recess for Resilience.Recess for Resilience is a simple school-based wellbeing initiative helping students build healthy habits through movement, friendship, emotional literacy and regular check-ins. Inspired by Running for Resilience, the program gives primary school students a chance to walk, talk, connect and practise the skills that support mental health before crisis point.Together, the group discusses how Recess for Resilience began, why schools need practical wellbeing programs, and how something as simple as walking with friends during recess can help students feel more connected, confident and supported.Steph and Mark share powerful stories from Torrens Primary School, including students who have found belonging, built confidence and learned to check in with others. Adam shares how Canberra Grammar School has adapted the program, the importance of action-based wellbeing education, and why building habits early can help create healthier communities.This conversation is about prevention, connection and the small moments that can make a lifelong difference.

What happens when we stop waiting for change — and start building it together?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Menslink’s Ben Gathercole, we move from awareness to action: exploring what it actually takes to build a culture of care in schools, worksites, and communities.

From mentoring young men to empowering tradies and apprentices, this episode focuses on the systems of support that can help turn tough conversations into everyday ones.

Part 1 explored the origins, silence, and culture behind men’s mental health.
Part 2 dives into what happens next — when we make connection part of the job description.

• How to make mental health a shared community responsibility

• The next evolution of Menslink’s mentoring and education programs

• Why leadership — from foremen to principals — shapes mental wellbeing

• Building trust and belonging across worksites and schools

• What Canberra can teach the rest of Australia about community-led change

Referenced Organisations & Stories

• Menslink – Mentoring & Education Programs
  https://menslink.org.au

• I Got You – Leesa Mountford’s Initiative
  https://canberradaily.com.au/canberra...

• Healthy Tradie Project – Pip Seldon
  

If You Need Support

• Beyond Blue – Workplace Mental Health
  https://www.beyondblue.org.au

• Lifeline Canberra – Local Support & Volunteering
  https://www.lifelinecanberra.org.au
• Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212
• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au

What happens when we stop treating mental health as a side conversation — and start seeing it as a community responsibility?

In this episode, Matt Breen revisits the origins of Running for Resilience — born from the loss of his dad — and the gap it left in male role models and connection. From there, he’s joined by Menslink’s Ben Gathercole to explore how community, mentoring, and education can rewrite the story for young men across Canberra.

The conversation weaves through powerful real-life stories — from Leesa Mountford’s “I Got You” initiative to Pip Seldon’s “Healthy Tradie Project” — before turning to some confronting truths:

Tradies are six times more likely to die by suicide than in a workplace accident.

This is the beginning of a two-part series. Part 1 unpacks the culture, silence, and systems shaping young men’s mental health. Part 2 continues the conversation, diving deeper into how we can start changing the story — beginning with tradies and apprentices.

🎧 Listen now to understand why “Silence is Deadly”… and how connection can save lives.

• The origins of Running for Resilience and its link to a suicide-free Canberra

• Menslink’s role in building stronger culture through schools and workplaces

• Why tradies and apprentices are at higher risk — and how local groups are responding

• How silence, stigma, and stoicism shape male mental health

• What we can all do to make help-seeking feel normal

• I Got You – Leesa Mountford’s story (Canberra Daily):
  https://canberradaily.com.au/canberra-mum-awarded-for-i-got-you-suicide-prevention-campaign/

• Healthy Tradie Project – Pip Seldon TED Talk:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTXjqNf8dQI

• Tradie Mental Health Statistics – Blokes Psychology:
  https://www.blokespsychology.com.au/resources/mental-health-tradies#:~:text=Construction%20workers%20are%20at%20least,suicide%20than%20on%20workplace%20accidents.&text=190%20construction%20workers%20die%20by%20suicide%20each%20year%20in%20Australia.

• ABC – Supporting Loved Ones in Construction:
  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-10/supporting-loved-ones-who-work-in-construction/105724124

• PubMed – Apprentice Suicide Risk Study:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34710501/

• Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au

If this episode resonates with you, share it, leave a review, and help us spread the message:
Just Keep Moving — Forward, Together.

In this episode of the R4R Podcast Murray sits down with Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce for a discussion on resilience, vulnerability, courage, persistent disadvantage and support for others. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — support is always available:

📞 Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra - 1800 595 212

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or https:www.beyondblue.org.au

In this episode of the R4R Podcast, Lili Mooney sits down with John Veloudos & James Butz from The Sunday Sippers. In this chat, the team cover everything from 100km efforts to how the Sunday Sippers started.

Check out the Sunday Sippers on Instagram or listen to their Podcast on Spotify

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — support is always available:

📞 Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra - 1800 595 212

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or https:www.beyondblue.org.au

In this episode of the R4R Podcast, Jess Peil chats with Mark Trbojevic from Peak Health Canberra about all things running, injuries, and mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — support is always available:

📞 Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra - 1800 595 212

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or https:www.beyondblue.org.au

In this episode of The R4R Podcast, Ben Alexander and Matt Breen sit down to have their weekly R4R chat on air.

There's so much happening at the moment and we thought it would be a great idea to pull the curtain back on some conversations behind the scenes.

We'd also love to hear your feedback if you've got any!If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — support is always available:

📞 Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra - 1800 595 212

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or https:www.beyondblue.org.au

In this episode of The R4R Podcast, Murray sits down with Singh and Tiff to talk all things Running for Resilience and Bravery Trek.

These guys are awesome and they're a huge part of our community... but the work they do with Bravery Trek is immense.

Find out more about Bravery Trek: braverytrek.com.au

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — support is always available:

📞 Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra - 1800 595 212

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

With an introduction from R4R Legend and previous guest on the R4R Podcast (Lili Mooney), Running for Resilience held a community forum on the Mental Health Crisis facing Canberra and surrounding communities.

Hosted by Thomas Emerson MLA, the panel included Ben Alexander from Running for Resilience, Carrie-Ann Leeson from Lifeline Canberra, and Ben Gathercole from Menslink.

From the acclaimed "The Blood Run", Callan Gates sits down with R4R Legends Shooter and Jess, to talk all things R4R, Blood Run, and community.

Our partnership with these guys was unexpected, but it's proving tot be unforgettable.

"In 2022, Callan Gates sets out on an extraordinary 250 km journey, a testament to endurance and dedication. He tackles the Great North Walk to support leukaemia research, raising funds and awareness for a cause close to his heart."

How to watch:

• SBS
• Kayo
• Binge

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — support is always available:

📞 Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra - 1800 595 212

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or https:www.beyondblue.org.au