Victorians young and old are encouraged to #ListenNow to the people who are important in their lives during Tobin Brothers Funerals’ #ListenNow week.

Tobin Brothers Funerals traditionally organise a #SayItNow week each year – which encourages people to pick up the phone, catch up for a coffee or send a message to a loved one or friend, to tell them how important they are in their life, and then share their #SayItNow moment on social media.

2020, a year of significant challenge for so many, has seen a rise in hardships, so this year, we ask you to please instead #ListenNow. Catch up for that coffee, send that message of love, but reach out to ask how they are doing and then listen.

The suicide rate across Australia is a cause for concern and it's now time to raise awareness. The time has come to listen to the experiences of our ambassadors and to listen to the people you love the most - check in on them, hold the space for them to talk openly about their struggles, their mental health, their challenges #ListenNow.

The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle, Ambulance Victoria CEO Associate Professor Tony Walker, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, CH9 and MMM’s Seb Costello, Dr Jon and Sue Stebbins from Compassionate Friends, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Graham Ashton AM, suicide awareness spokesperson Allanah McGregor, Dr Jodie Leditschke BSc PHD, psychologist Jacqui Louder and Gippsland dairy farmer Joe Meggetto have been listed as the 2020 #ListenNow ambassadors.

Writer and broadcaster Justin Smith will chat to each of the ambassadors who will share their experiences surrounding suicide, professionally and personally, and tell their story to raise awareness and dissolve the stigma.

Each day throughout #ListenNow week, one ambassador video will be released here on the Tobin Brothers’ website, on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Tobin Brothers' #ListenNow week! 

Tobin Brothers Managing Director James MacLeod is joined by writer and broadcaster Justin Smith to discuss the initiative and the importance of talking openly about suicide and mental health to reduce the stigma. 

#ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th

Today is the start of #ListenNow week. In our first video,  writer and broadcaster Justin Smith is joined by our first ambassador, Gippsland dairy farmer Joe Meggetto who talks openly and honestly about his personal experience with mental health, suicide and suicidal thoughts.

Life on the farm is isolating, which many Australians are now experiencing today. It is important now more than ever to check in on the people you care about.

Use your #ListenNow moment to reach out to a loved one, have an open conversation with them and check in on how they are really going.

#ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th

If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or text  0477 13 11 14

Our second video in the #ListenNow week series features journalist Sebastian Costello who opens up to Justin Smith about his own personal experience of ‘covering tragedy as part of a journalists job’, his decision to seek help, the relief from doing so and the reward at the other side of the process.

We hope that this video highlights the benefit of seeking help, normalises mental health struggles and encourages you to put your own hand up or to reach out to someone else who may be on your radar.

#ListenNow is all about raising awareness. It’s about having those conversations, taking the time to check in on your mates, your family, your colleagues and really listen to them. Who will you reach out to?

 #ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th

 If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or text  0477 13 11 14

In today’s video, Justin is joined by suicide awareness spokesperson Alannah McGregor who lost two of her children, Angela and Stuart, to suicide a month apart from one another. She has dedicated her life to helping others by raising awareness of suicide and removing the stigma ever since.

Join the conversation or share your own Listen Now stories with the hashtag #ListenNow

#ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th 

If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or text  0477 13 11 14

In today's #ListenNow Week Video, Justin talks with Jon and Sue Stebbins from Compassionate Friends. Now advocates for suicide awareness and supporting bereaved families, they share their experiences as parents who lost their Son Matthew to suicide.

Join in the conversation and speak to those that are near and dear to you. #LISTENNOW is from Monday the August 24th to Sunday August 30th.

If you are struggling, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call the good people at Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Upload your #LISTENNOW story to social media and @Tobin Brothers Funerals.

It comes as no surprise that the effects of suicidal deaths extend beyond the immediate circle of family and friends. The first responders, the emergency services in the front line, see occurrences and attempts far too often and the impact of this tragic loss is significant.

Today, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Graham Ashton AM shares his thoughts and experiences surrounding suicide in the Police Force and encounters on the job where a member of the police may very well be the last person someone speaks to.

#ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline 13 11 14
or text 0477 13 11 14 

If you are a first responder and need to reach out to someone call Fortem Australia 1300 33 95 94 or visit: 
https://fortemaustralia.org.au/

Today, Justin chats openly with Ambulance Victoria CEO Associate Professor Tony Walker who talks of his experiences, both professional and personal and highlights the need for emergency service workers to take care of their own mental health, he speaks about his decision to put his own hand up to have ‘a check-up from the neck up’ and the importance of looking after yourself too.

#ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th

If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14

If you are a first responder and need to reach out to someone call Fortem Australia 1300 33 95 94
or visit https://fortemaustralia.org.au/

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia's highest profile psychologists.

In today’s #ListenNow video, he joins in the discussions around suicide awareness and prevention, expresses his concern that the current combination of financial hardship and physical isolation many are facing creates ‘the perfect storm’ for mental health problems and notes the importance of direct conversations.

Have you had honest conversation with your loved ones and the people you care about?

#ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th

If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14

#ListenNow Week is almost coming to a close!

In today's video, Justin talks with Dr. Jodie Leditschke BSc PHD, Manager of Forensic Technical Services and Coronial Admissions and Enquiries at the The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Jodie shares her experiences as one of the final points of contact for the person who has ended their life, and for the families who are suffering such a great loss.

We also hear from train driver Stephen King.

#ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th

If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14

To conclude #ListenNow week, Tobin Brothers Managing Director James MacLeod is joined by writer and broadcaster Justin Smith, The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle, and psychologist Jacqui Louder to reflect on the week that has been, share their views on ways we can look after the mental health of ourselves and others and again highlight the importance of talking openly about suicide and mental health to reduce the stigma.

Although this #ListenNow week has concluded, we hope that discussions continue and you continue to regularly check in on the people you care about and then #ListenNow.

#ListenNow week : August 24th – 30th 

 If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or text  0477 13 11 14