Blog - The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association

S2:E37 | Brendan Maher: Mental Health, Movember, & Me

Written by Brittany George | Nov 17, 2020 11:42:21 AM

It's that time of year again – razors are banished, Movember is in full swing, and the discussion of men's health is in the spotlight.



This week's podcast guest Brendan Maher is responsible for overseeing Movember's global suite of mental health and suicide prevention programs and investments. His key focus is on ensuring the charity's work in prevention and early intervention is able to reach and engage more men in priority populations - including fathers, young men, Indigenous men and men experiencing social isolation.



Joining the organisation in May 2019, he leads a passionate program team located across Melbourne, Toronto, London and Los Angeles.



Brendan is also a Board Member and former CEO of R U OK? – an Australian organisation most well-known for R U OK? Day, a national day of action committed to encouraging and equipping everyone to regularly and meaningfully ask "are you ok?", of anyone who might be struggling with life.



With almost 12 years' experience across Lifeline Australia, R U OK? and Movember, Brendan is a passionate advocate for suicide prevention. His contribution to the sector was recognised in 2019 with Suicide Prevention Australia's LIFE Award for Excellence in the Leadership category.



On this week's podcast, Brendan joins me to talk about how he became involved with mental health and suicide prevention, his transition from the corporate sector to non for profit, and insight into his many roles, including Movember and the challenges arising from COVID.