Introduction: A single Australian man is between three and four times more likely than his female counterpart to die by suicide [1]. Among youth populations, nearly 40% of all deaths are attributed to young boys choosing to take their own lives [1]. The literature suggests that male suicide is driven by various social, cultural, and neurobiological factors, many of which are linked to normative male gender behaviours [2]. Traditionally, men are expected to embody strength, emotional resilience, and self-reliance [3]. However, men who continue to conform to such expectations are often less likely to seek help when needed [4]. There remains a significant disparity in service access between men and women, with young males consistently underutilising emotional and psychiatric support services [5]. Moreover, emotional suppression and stoicism hinder the natural development of relationships by limiting communication, emotional sincerity, and closeness [6, 7]. Without these personal connections, men have fewer personal resources to draw upon when in need of support.
Methods: Kai-Fella is a mental health foundation created to equip Western Australian youth with the emotional resilience they need to navigate life beyond adolescence. Through peer-to-peer learning in facilitated workshops, the Kai-Fella program challenges traditional gender stereotypes while fostering a safe environment that strengthens peer support networks and encourages emotionally vulnerable communication. Western Australian boys in Years 10, 11, and 12, and who are participating in the Kai-Fella program are being asked to complete a series of pre- and post-workshop surveys to assess changes in behaviours as a direct result of their involvement. These questionnaires include standardised measures that evaluate help-seeking behaviours, barriers to accessing help, conformity to masculine norms, and perceptions of support structures and loneliness.
Outcomes: This study aims to provide critical insights into the attitudes of young males towards behaviours related with suicide and whether gender-specific workshops can transform these associated behaviours. As the next generation of tomorrow, understanding these patterns is crucial for tailoring men’s mental health support to the needs of the male community. By addressing behaviours associated with poor help-seeking, the study will explore whether the Kai-Fella program can shift boys’ attitudes toward emotional help-seeking, ultimately working to reduce the burden of suicide in young Western Australia males.