Not only did I think Matt Newlands’ presentation at the South Coast LSA’s Supervisors conference last Friday was courageous and honest but it provided a real example to Supervisors, Managers and peers of why we need to look out for our colleagues and take action when we observe any changes in their behaviour or mental welfare.

I know I’ve said this to you in person, but wow! Such a fantastic session. From reading the feedback sheets almost all participants expressed they found it challenging, but extremely rewarding. I believe the conversation you generated is imperative. One member mentioned in feedback “it may be the sort of session to save a coppers life”. For me, that is incredibly powerful and an accolade to be proud of. And so I say to you, Thank you. Some journeys lead us to amazing places.

I recently attended a Mindset workshop that Matt facilitated. I was blown away by his ability to engage the audience, be vulnerable and discuss issues that are not often talked about openly. Truly inspiring.

From my personal perspective, I found Matt’s talk very effective as it makes you think about how you as a leader/manager/supervisor can make a difference by being attentive to your members behaviour and hopefully pick the signs to be able to take preventive action. It is useful to hear from Matt about what space he was in and why he made the decisions he did. It gives us a good insight and helps us understand why some people make the decisions they do. Mental Health is a complex health issue which affects everyone in different ways. The more we can talk about it, there more we can try and understand it and help those who need it. I would encourage Matt to keep on telling his story, I believe it will help others talk about their experience and assist managers in identifying members who may be suffering their own battles.

Matt is inspiring, knowledgeable and authentic as both a program facilitator and a speaker. People are drawn to Matt’s honesty and humility when they hear his personal story and his ability to embrace and overcome his personal challenges. His presentation style creates a safe space for people to share and an environment where people want to engage. Matt’s lived experience as a police officer positions him well to relate to veterans and first responders and empowers them in their own lives.
Any organisation that takes the mental health of their employees seriously or believes in building a cohesive and valued workforce would be wise to work with Matt.

I have had the privilege of working alongside Matt in the mental health and wellbeing space for a number of years now. He openly shares his personal experiences in counselling and learning environments to better others. Matt has a unique ability to capture a room full of people who are engaged and inspired by his words. Much of Matt’s work has been centred around the facilitation of psychoeducation and skills-based programs for military and emergency services personnel who are dealing with chronic stress or mental health issues. Matt’s rare ability to articulate and deliver meaningful training to this cohort with proven results is remarkable however his skills are not limited to this area; he delivers a very high standard of mental health facilitation to civilian and community groups also. Matt is thorough, meticulous, loyal, emotionally mature, professional in approach and delivery and an honest team player. These qualities combined with his care, concern and compassion for others cannot be understated and I unreservedly commend his services to you.

Matt is reliable, diligent and highly empathetic with a true gift for the work he does. He draws on his lived experience to offer understanding, self-empowerment and connection to military veterans and emergency services workers; his capability and capacity as a stakeholder engagement manager and peer-to-peer counsellor are invaluable to the ex-service community across Australia.

Thank you Matt for sharing your story; warts and all. It was very powerful and moving. To have the courage to share what you have been through is courageous. And the way you do it is amazing.

I have been fortunate to spend the past two days undertaking Mental Health First Aid training with MESHA and The Hospital Research Foundation Group.
Thank you Narelle and Matt for your vulnerability, honesty and genuine care when delivering this course and creating such a safe space for us to learn together.