Mental Health Week 2025

We’re going to hit you with some hard facts. But keep reading – they're important. 
Did you know? 

• Almost half of Australians aged 16-85 have experienced mental ill-health at some point in their lifetime.
• Approximately 9 Australians die by suicide every day.
• 38% of Australians have been close to someone who has attempted or died by suicide. 

You can’t beat those odds. At some point in your life, if it hasn’t already, mental health illness is going to affect you – whether it’s a friend, family member, workmate.  
Or, it’ll be you. 
Every year, we here at Beacon Lighting team up with LIVIN to do something to help bring awareness to this topic to help remove the stigma. Because (to shamelessly use their words), it ain’t weak to speak. 

“LIVIN exists to create a future where suicide is no longer the number one killer of young Australians. "

 LIVIN's mission is to create a future where suicide is no longer the leading cause of death for young Australians. Through education and outreach programs, LIVIN aims to empower individuals to speak openly about their mental health struggles, seek help when needed, and support one another in their mental health journeys. LIVIN strives to create a world where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health, fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and acceptance.

We’re all tradies here, so our concern is keeping your mates safe. Here’s a bit we’ve learned from LIVIN about making your worksite a place where a mate can reach out for some mental health help. 

If someone’s behaviour is off, it might be more than just a bad day. Keep an eye out for more drinking, drugs, anger, or even unexpected outbursts like crying. Physical signs can show up too - trouble sleeping, feeling run down, or taking bigger risks. When life’s piling on, these changes are worth a closer look. Trust your gut and check in. 

Location and timing matter - whether it’s over a coffee or a beer, find a low-pressure moment. Keep it simple: "Mate, you’ve seemed off. How’re you really going?" The key? Listen more than you talk. Focus on being present, ask how you can help, and take it from there. 

Remind them of what’s worked before - getting back into routine might help. Keep offering support, even if they aren’t ready at first. Encourage them to reach out to a GP or psychologist. Let them know it’s OK if finding the right help takes time. It’s like trying on shoes - sometimes you’ve got to test a few pairs. 

Don’t stop at one chat. Follow up, show you care, and see if they’re improving or need more help. Supporting someone isn’t a one-and-done, and different things may work for different people. 
And don’t forget - look after yourself too. You can’t pour from an empty cup. 

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Your trusted GP or psychologist 
• Mantle Health – www.mantlehealth.com.au 

To shed some light on this crucial topic, we’ve teamed up with LIVIN, an organisation on a mission to change the way we think and talk about mental health. We sat down with Jess Raper, Marketing Manager at LIVIN, to chat about why this work is so important and how our collaboration can make a real difference for tradies. 

Tradies face high suicide rates and deal with tough physical and mental demands. The culture often discourages talking about struggles, and work pressures only make it harder. Awareness helps create a culture where it’s okay to speak up, which benefits tradies and the businesses they work for. 

The job is physically demanding, long hours are standard, and there’s pressure to “tough it out.” Many avoid seeking help because of stigma. Awareness normalises conversations, makes it easier to recognise when support is needed, and encourages workplaces to create safer, more supportive conditions. 

Reach out. Talk to a mate, a supervisor, or use LIVIN’s resources. You don’t have to handle it alone. 

These words from our incredible fundraising coordinator Dee Van Reyk: 
“I am motivated to work in the mental health space by a deep commitment to supporting individuals in overcoming their challenges and improving their quality of life. The opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and help people achieve their full potential is both fulfilling and inspiring.” 

My work with LIVIN has deepened my understanding of mental health by highlighting the importance of community support and open dialogue. It has reinforced the value of empathy and proactive engagement in addressing mental health challenges and has strengthened my commitment to fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment.   

This month, $5 from every fan sold goes straight to LIVIN to back mental health initiatives for tradies. This partnership is about keeping mental health on the radar and giving tradies somewhere to turn when things get tough. So, if you’re doing it tough, don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out, have a chat, and let’s support each other on and off the tools. Together, we can make a difference.