Through personal experience Ray felt the need to do more to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. After a few in depth and heavy conversations in the workplace the idea to do the Kokoda Track to raise funds was born.

MATES is a charity established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers.

MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs on sites, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line.

MATES field staff will train workers in the workplace to improve mental health and suicide prevention literacy, increase help seeking and help offering and engage the workforce in creating a mentally healthy workplace.

Volunteer Connectors and ASIST workers will be trained to identify, support and connect workers to help and support.

For more information on the amazing work MATES is doing please visit their website www.mates.org.au

There is already strong interest in the Kokoda event and more information will follow.

If you are interested in the event please contact Ray by email at ray@rmct.com.au