Category: Mentor Story
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The boys’ influence on each other positively impacts the community.
“The influence that the boys in our room have on each other definitely expands out to their community in a really positive way.” Vin, for anyone who hasn’t heard of it, what is Lift the Load? Lift the Load for Mental Health is a month-long challenge to wear a 10kg vest and walk or run…
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The work behind the vest: why Michael lifts the load.
Michael is a youth worker and Regional Coordinator with the Top Blokes Sydney team. Every week, he sees what can happen when boys and young men are given consistent space to talk, reflect and be heard. We spoke with him about why Lift the Load for Mental Health matters to him, the impact he sees in the classroom,…
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“The little moments are what stay with you”
Every day Keely sees what can happen when boys are given a safe place to talk, feel heard and support one another. She’s one of our Youth Workers and mentors based in the Illawarra region. We caught up with her to find out why she’s taking part in Lift the Load for Mental Health this…
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World Suicide Prevention Day
Categories: Mentor Story[TW: SUICIDE] Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a day to shine a light on the lives lost, the battles fought in silence, and the hope that every conversation can save a life. Suicide affects too many young people in Australia, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Together, we can change the…
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Meet Toby: From the footy field to the classroom
Categories: Mentor StoryAt Top Blokes, we believe that strong role models can make all the difference in a young man’s life. Toby is one of those role models —someone who meets young blokes where they’re at, challenges them to think differently and supports them in becoming the best version of themselves. From the rugby league footy fields…
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Meet Jacob: From army to youth advocacy
At Top Blokes, our team brings passion, lived experience, and a commitment to empowering young men to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives. Today, we sit down with Jacob our Regional Coordinator for Illawarra and the South Coast. He holds a Diploma in Community Services and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. We chat…
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Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Hayden’s Journey from Participant to Mentor
When you meet Hayden, the first thing you notice is his energy—an infectious, confident presence that seems to radiate wisdom far beyond his 18 years. But what truly stands out about Hayden is his ability to connect. Whether he’s chatting with a group of teenage boys in a workshop or reflecting on his personal journey,…
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Beyond the mask: Rethinking what it means to be a man
Time to pull up a chair and have a yarn. This Movember we’re kicking off Season 2 of Top Blokes Uncut – straight from the barber chair and into your news feed. Top Blokes Youth Worker, Thomas – our first haircut off the ranks – chats openly about his world growing up, what it’s like…
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Adversity to Advocacy: Ian’s Mentorship Role Shaping Future Leaders
[Source: Castle] The team at Castle, a not-for-profit organisation working to support disadvantaged people in the community recently sat down with Ian, a Top Blokes Youth Worker working in regional NSW. For those of you who don’t know Ian is blind, having lost his sight at 21 yo. Now age 40, he is the energy…
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From adversity to empowerment and passion: meet Dayne
Dayne Bockman’s journey to Training and Development Lead at Top Blokes is a story of personal resilience and dedication to fostering change within. With a background as a case manager for young people with complex needs, Dayne experienced firsthand the challenges of inadequate support systems in his local community. Frustrated but motivated, Dayne found his…