MATES program gets tradies moving to help prevent suicide

Once again, MATES has run the Big Lap, helping people in the construction, manufacturing and related industries get active, connect with others and support suicide prevention.

For the fourth time, the national movement encouraged participants to walk, run, ride, wheel or move however they can because conversations about mental health happen more naturally when people are side-by-side rather than face-to-face.

The initiative brought workers, workplaces, families and communities to strengthen connections and raise funds for life-saving support services delivered by MATES.

MATES Australia CEO Jørgen Gullestrup says the event works because it creates the right environment for people to talk.

“People – especially men – don’t sit down across a table and decide to talk about how they’re feeling. But walk beside each other, work beside each other or ride beside each other and the conversation changes. The MATES Big Lap is about creating those movements and moments. Every metre or kilometre is not just exercise, it’s an opportunity to check in with a mate, and that can save a life.”

Physical activity also plays a powerful role in mental health and suicide prevention. Research consistently shows regular movement helps reduce stress, improve mood and increase social connection, all protective factors against suicide and mental ill-health. Even short bursts of activity can have measurable mental health benefits.

For industries where workers often struggle to open up, movement removes barriers and creates safer spaces for conversations that might not otherwise happen. Walking together, riding together or simply getting outside often lowers the guard and makes it easier to talk.

For more information go to matesbiglap.org.au or check out the MATES merch store.

IMAGE: People – especially men – don’t sit down across a table and decide to talk about how they’re feeling