Mateship and Mental Health: Alcoa Backs Youth Focus’ M8D8 Campaign

For first year Alcoa Australia apprentice Charlie, mateship plays a vital role in staying mentally strong and healthy. “Friends are always there to help, just being my friends, doing what they do best – keeping me entertained, taking me out and giving me cool things to do,” said Charlie.

Charlie knows first-hand that talking openly can make all the difference.

“If a mate is having a tough time, I’d much rather they talk to me. I’ve been through tough times, and I like to talk to them because even though it can be hard, talking to someone does make it better. I don’t want anyone to stay silent with it, staying silent is just not good and it’s better to get it out.”

That message sits at the core of M8D8, a mental health campaign run by Youth Focus that encourages young men to support their mates through simple, real conversations.

Now in its sixth year, M8D8 highlights the importance of showing up when a mate is struggling, by listening, checking in and helping them seek support when needed.

Youth Focus Regional Manager for Peel and the South West, Mark Barrett Lennard, says friendships are especially important during early adulthood.

“The transition into adulthood can be a messy, confusing and lonely time, and your mates are right there alongside you trying to work it out. The support a mate can give is different from the support a family member or professional can offer,” Mark said.

“These conversations have the power and potential to change the trajectory of a young man’s life, by letting them know they are not alone when things get tough, and reminding them that help is available. It isn’t always easy to do, but if they speak up when they notice a mate isn’t coping so well, it keeps young men safe.”

The M8D8 campaign features videos of young men sharing why checking in matters, along with school, workplace and community engagement across the Peel region to help normalise mental health conversations.

Alcoa Australia has supported M8D8 since it began in 2021 and encourages apprentices, graduates and employees to get involved.

Alcoa Australia Human Resources Director Liz Hodgson said the company was proud of its longstanding support.

“As a major employer in the Peel and South West, many of our apprentices, tradespeople and graduates live and work locally, in regional communities where young men can face greater social pressures, isolation and life stressors,” Liz said.

“We care deeply about mental health and wellbeing, not only at our sites, but beyond the gate. Supporting M8D8 reflects our values of care, respect and responsibility, and our commitment to helping young people feel supported at work, at school and in their communities.

“By encouraging early, honest and informed conversations about mental health, M8D8 helps strengthen social connections and reduce the stigma young men can feel about speaking up.

“Sometimes simply checking in with a mate who doesn’t seem like their usual self can make a real difference in helping them get through a tough time before challenges become overwhelming.”

The M8D8 website offers practical tools, including conversation cards and advice on supporting a mate in need. The campaign can also be followed on Instagram, where young men share their own experiences.

For Charlie, the message is clear: show up.

“Showing up for your mates is very important, just being there builds a better friendship and a stronger bond. Even if you don’t know how to fix it, just trying to be there for them is good enough.”

At Alcoa, mental health matters greatly in the communities where we live and work.