Coffs Harbour man Ryan Tydd launches new men’s social group Strength N Numbers

When Ryan Tydd moved to the Coffs Coast he had suffered debilitating loneliness and battled suicidal thoughts. Now – he’s teaching others the ways mateship can motivate mental health.

Strength N Numbers Ryan Tydd, Thiago Mergulhao, Peter Whitehead and Hansika Badhuge kayaking on Boambee Creek September 2024

When Ryan Tydd moved to the Coffs Coast he had suffered debilitating loneliness and battled suicidal thoughts.

Now – he’s teaching others the ways mateship can motivate mental health.

Mr Tydd, 34, of Coffs Harbour, said there is a mateship crisis in Australia, with one in four men having no close mates, according to Australian Men’s Health Forum.

Mr Tydd said a “lack of bromance” puts young men in a “massive risk category” for suicide.

“Real loneliness happens to all men,” he said.

Thiago Mergulhao, Peter Whitehead, Ryan Tydd and Hansika Badhuge from Strength N Numbers at Boambee Creek Reserve.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals the leading cause of death for men aged 25-44 in Australia is suicide.

Bringing young men together to safeguard their mental health led Mr Tydd to start his own mens mental wellbeing group.

Strength N Numbers is a group for men to bond while undertaking fun activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving, and hiking.

“I want this to be a group where men can organically make friends so they can have someone to have a chat with when life gets tough, everyone will feel welcome,” he said.

The group launched in September and will connect through Facebook for monthly events.

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Originally published as Coffs Harbour man Ryan Tydd launches new men’s social group Strength N Numbers