A grassroots organisation in south-west Sydney has launched a fundraising campaign bringing awareness to the mental burden young men carry daily.

Top Blokes Foundation youth worker Callum told Joe Hildebrand the group is responding to high rates of mental ill health and suicide in local youth by building resilience and empathy through mentorship.

“Guys, unfortunately, they’re more likely to take their own life.

“Every young male that we work with has said this is largely due to the social expectations that gets put onto us as guys; saying that you can’t talk about your emotions or you can’t cry, you can’t express yourself.

“That stoicism really builds up … and we’re here to challenge that expectation.”

The organisation’s ‘Lift The Load’ challenge, which Joe has joined, asks participants to don a 10kg weighted vest and carry it 50km, symbolising the weight of mental ill health.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the new campaign

To find out more about Top Blokes Foundation and join the campaign, click HERE.

Image: Getty