From Sad Blokes to Well Men: Changing the focus in male suicide prevention - Ōtepoti - Dunedin (FSB2026/02)

It matters that men are able to optimise their wellbeing.  Well men contribute to well whānau, communities, workplaces, economy and society.

A critical aspect of effective suicide prevention initiatives is the need to examine the underlying assumptions that shape our understanding of male suicide and whether these assumptions accurately reflect the realities faced by men in 2026. This necessitates a fundamental shift in our approach, emphasising the importance of guiding men on a journey toward well-being. The goal is to transition from a focus on suicidal individuals to fostering well men.

For men to thrive, it is essential for them to develop a positive understanding of their cultural and gender identities—one that enhances their dignity (mana) and enriches their lives with a strong sense of purpose and meaning. Furthermore, they should be committed to their own well-being and that of their whānau, while also being equipped with strength-based strategies to navigate periods of distress and crisis.

This workshop applies both sociological and gender analyses to enhance our understanding of suicide among men. It explores the cumulative impact of various social, cultural, and economic determinants—such as shifts in gender roles and expectations, labor market participation, economic reforms, and relationship status—on men’s sense of identity and purpose, ultimately affecting their well-being and contributing to the rise in suicide rates. When assessing suicide risk in men, it is essential to consider social and cultural factors, including ethnicity, age, and sexuality, as well as social and economic disparities, colonisation, and intergenerational trauma. These elements are equally important as psychological factors in understanding this complex issue.

• Overview of suicide in men

• The Suicidal Moment - Men's thoughts, emotions and behaviour in the "suicidal moment”

• Masculinity for the 21st Century - Are traditional notions of masculinity meeting the needs of men in 2026?  How the changes in men’s roles and identity contribute to suicide in men.

• Intergenerational suicide among men and its impact of whānau and hapū

• From anxious boys through to lonely old men: Tracking male suicide across the lifespan

• A vision for men’s wellbeing: An holistic approach to conceptualising men’s wellbeing and key mental wellbeing messages for men.

Participants would benefit from also registering for this online workshop series which takes a deep dive into the determinants of wellbeing in men and what is required to shift very ingrained understandings in men about being a man.  

How do we move from a program approach to mens wellbeing to a movement of change that engages men in conversations of the heart and the walrua. Click here for more information and to register

"The best and most informative workshop I have attended in 27 years of mental health nursing”  

Community Mental Health Nurse

"This workshop should be compulsory for anyone working with men”  

Male Family Violence Worker

"It was as if Barry was talking about every young man I see at school”  

School Counsellor

"I have much better understanding about depressed and suicidal men. Going away with lots of ideas of how work with the men in my community”  

Rural Community Support Worker

"Thanks for being so inclusive of older men. They are so often forgotten."

Aged Care Worker

"The incorporation of Te Ao Māori into the training was excellent and made it relevant to the men I work with."

Kaiwhakatere

"Most helpful workshop I have been to in regards to suicide”  

Mental Health Recovery Programme Facilitator

"Appreciated how inclusive the presenter was of different cultures and his analysis of how culture influences what it means to be a man”  

Refugee Health Worker

Payment: Payment is by either:

Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard) or 
Instalment payment (ZIP and Afterpay) 
Invoice - Organisations can request to pay by invoice. At payment method click on Invoice,

Yes you can request to be invoiced subject to the following terms.

Terms for Payment By Invoice
Payment by Invoice is only for NGOs, Government Departments, Te Whatu Ora, PHOs, Schools and tertiary organisations, businesses.

By selecting to pay by invoice the organisation agrees to the following conditions:

1.  Your place in the workshop is not confirmed until payment has been received. Payment of the invoice must be made within seven days of registering to avoid having your registration cancelled. Late payment fees apply.

2.  A Tax Invoice from TaylorMade Training and Consulting will be sent to you separately which will contain bank details for payment.  

3.  By registering for the workshop, you agree to the cancellation and policy.  Organisations who cancel within seven days of the workshop and have not paid the invoice for the outstanding registration fee are still obligated to pay the outstanding debt.

Book 3 or more participants in one registration and receive 20% discount off each registration

There is a limited number of partial and full scholarships for those wishing to attend the workshop.

Full scholarships are available for non waged Tangata Whaiora / mental health consumers, carers and volunteers.

Partial scholarships of either 25% or 50% off the registration fee are available for full time tertiary students in health, mental health, addiction, social service or disability related courses. 

Further information and how to apply for a scholarship is available on the TaylorMade website.

Cancellation and Refund Policy
Workshops can fill quickly. If you are no longer able to attend the workshop please cancel your registration as soon as possible. Workshop cancellation must be done in writing.

The following refund policy is strictly adhered to.

Cancellation up to seven days prior to the commencement of the workshop:  Full Refund less $35+GST admin fee

Cancellation within seven days prior to the commencement of the workshop: No refund but registration can be transferred to another person. To transfer your registration log on to your registration and update the name and contact details to the new person attending.

Non attendance:   No refund

TaylorMade Training and Consulting (TMTC) reserves the right to cancel a workshop up to two weeks before it starts if there aren’t sufficient registrations. If cancelled, participants get a refund either by credit for another TMTC workshop (within 12 months) or full refund of their registration fee. Refunds are made to the credit card used or an electronic transfer to a bank account specified by the participant. TMTC isn’t responsible for any other costs incurred by participants due to a workshop cancellation.

The information and professional advice delivered in the workshop and the associated printed material is provided solely on the basis that before relying on this material, participants should obtain appropriate advice relevant to their particular circumstance to evaluate its accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance for their purposes. TaylorMade Training and Consulting will not be liable for any damages of any kind to any person or entity arising from the use of this information. Your attendance at this workshop reflects your acceptance of this statement.

Organiser Contact Details

Barry Taylor
Principal Consultant |  TaylorMade Training and Consulting

Mobile:  027 241 6979
Email:  registration@4wellbeing.nz   
Website:  www.4wellbeing.nz