Menslink’s new vehicle at Lennock Volkswagen in Phillip. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
With mental health challenges and suicide rates among young apprentices alarmingly high, Menslink’s renewed partnerships with Master Builders ACT and Lennock Volkswagen aim to reach more young men where they are, in schools, workshops and on job sites.
The partnerships mean more young trade apprentices will gain access to vital mental health support, and the Menslink team will stay mobile and visible in the community.
Menslink CEO Ben Gathercole says the Master Builders ACT partnership is a significant step in reaching a cohort grappling with alarmingly high rates of mental ill health and suicide, and the day-to-day struggles of life.
“Young apprentices are two and a half times more likely to die by suicide compared to other fellas their age,” he says.
“The partnership with Master Builders means we can offer them better access to our education programs around help-seeking behaviour and counselling services.”
It’s a sobering figure, and one Ben says underscores why early intervention matters.
“These are young people who’ve moved away from almost daily contact with their mates, possibly moved out of home, and that support network from school and community is gone,” he says.
“That’s a tough transition for some young fellas.”
By teaming up with Master Builders ACT, Menslink will be able to extend its trusted programs beyond schools and into workshops, building sites and training environments — the spaces where young apprentices actually spend their days.
“Master Builders ACT recognise the statistics must be addressed, and that Menslink is the specialist in this field,” he says.
“We’re in the business of helping young guys through this journey, and they’re in the business of turning young apprentices into great tradesmen. Partnering is a no-brainer for us both.”
Menslink’s new vehicle at Lennock Volkswagen in Phillip. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
In another boost, Lennock Volkswagen has committed to a new three-year partnership that will help Menslink stay on the road — literally.
Lennock’s commercial division will provide vehicles for that period, complete with Menslink branding, allowing Menslink’s full-time staff to travel to young men, predominantly in schools, and deliver education and mentoring programs.
The car dealership will also continue its long-standing support of Menslink’s flagship annual fundraising event, the Big Night Out gala ball, where Lennock provides in-kind support and donates a new vehicle outright for auction.
“The contribution made by Rick and the Lennock Motors organisation is something Menslink is very proud of. It represents true community spirit and will keep us going well into the future,” Ben says.
For Lennock Volkswagen’s Dealer Principal, Rick Davis, the partnership is as much about shared values as it is about sponsorship.
“Our partnership with Menslink began in 2014, sparked by an introduction from a Mum whose son was part of the Mentoring Program,” he says.
“Over the past 12 years, that connection has grown into a valued community partnership.”
Through event sponsorships, vehicle donations and awareness campaigns, Lennock has helped Menslink raise over $1 million for programs supporting young men across Canberra.
“Menslink does incredible work in shaping resilient, respectful young men who go on to contribute positively to our community,” Rick says.
“As a local business that employs over 300 Canberrans, including many young people, we see the value of that every day.”
Beyond the direct impact, Rick says, when local businesses invest in the well-being of young people, everyone benefits.
“These partnership strengthens community spirit and show how local businesses can play a meaningful role in creating social change,” he says.
“It’s a relationship built not just on sponsorship, but on shared values — family, respect, and community.”
For more information, visit Menslink.
