The Human Code research was developed as part of a broader partnership project which aims to better understand community attitudes in the Macedon Ranges to outdated masculine stereotypes and their effect on men’s mental health and related behaviours.  Orygen undertook the research and it was funded by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network, as a project of the place-based Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Trial Site.  The research provided an opportunity to better understand the root causes and gendered drivers of high levels of male suicide in the area and also other significant community challenges including family violence and road trauma.

The research included:

  • An online community survey with 376 respondents
  • Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 31 key stakeholders working with men and boys in the Macedon Ranges
  • Individual interviews with 30 men
  • A focus group with four women

The final report providing a comprehensive overview of the findings is now available.

A shorter document summarising the key findings and recommendations from the research is also available here.  For more information about this project email healthpromotion@scchc.org.au.

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is leading a second phase of the project, which involves piloting some innovative programs in the community that respond to the research findings and aim to have a positive impact on masculine stereotypes.

Cut the Silence

The Cut the Silence campaign aimed to get men talking about their emotions, their feelings and their mental health. Steered by a working group made up of several local organisations, the campaign stemmed from evidence-based research that shows the Macedon Ranges has a higher than average rate of male suicide than most Australian regions.

The research also found that more than half of the men surveyed would not seek support until they were in a crisis situation. Cut the Silence featured a series of video interviews conducted by actor, comedian and Macedon Ranges resident Shane Jacobson with other local high profile men.

As part of the follow-up phase of the Human Code we have held a number of workshops including:

A night with the folks of Macedon Ranges

An engaging and impactful workshop exploring the impact of gender stereotypes on our young people and the value of deepening connection between families.  While reflecting on what has shaped their own personal beliefs about gender and stereotypes, parents learnt some key tools, mindsets, and strategies to support their young person on their journey to adulthood.  Expert facilitators from Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman shared experiences and learnings from working with teenagers for more than 15 years.

Raising teenage boys in the Macedon Ranges

Parents and carers of teenage boys were invited to join us to gain insights into how to better understand, connect and have deeper, more honest conversations with our boys.  Through exploring the impacts of harmful, outdated masculine stereotypes, this pilot program provided parents and carers with the tools and skills to help boys break free from rigid stereotypes that limit their ability to reach their full potential.  Facilitated by Tomorrow Man.

Mentoring teenage boys in the Macedon Ranges

To see a video summary of the work of The Human Code project see below.