http://softenthefckup.com.au/

Morag

It's a new awareness campgain which was launched in OZ


http://softenthefckup.com.au/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-evWaD2mlM

About us

Down your beers then out-drink and out-fight us all? Sleep in the gutter and play footy in the morning? Yeah. Nice one.

When your mate Matt told you he’s feeling crap, you told him to “harden the **** up”, or “suck it up, pussy”.

Or you probably didn’t know when your mates actually needed a chat or are feeling crap ‘cos you didn’t ask. I’m not talking about the chat you had at the game last Saturday, or at the pool table at that bar last summer.
Suicide is the leading cause of death amongst young folks and most of them are blokes.
Yeah, wtf right?

We’re standing up to be counted. We’re saying it’s time we chuck out that tough Aussie bloke stereotype and bring back the laid-back Aussies. Speak up if you’re not feeling right. Soften the fck up like a real man would.

Look after your mates if something seems a bit off. Ask them if they’re okay. If they’re really okay. Ya gut will usually be right, even if your mate doesn’t wanna talk about it. Grab a beer and have a chat.

Tell your mates and your bros. Get on Facebook and Twitter. Share your thoughts or experiences. So go on, be tough and go soft.

It is time to admit something is wrong or isn’t right and take action.

Would something similar work here?

Count Duckula

Assuming Irish lad culture is anything similar to British lad culture (which I'm going to assume it is), then it'll - sadly - take more than an advertising campaign to change longstanding opinions on what makes a "man".

Even at school I remember that boys were told "big boys don't cry" if they hurt themselves in the playground.

It takes someone to be the first, and no lad wants to be the "wuss" amongst his peers because he once opened up about his feelings.

SarahMs

I love this.
A local barman committed sucide and wrote in his note 'i'm the only one who feels this way, i couldn't tell a soul' and i think this might have made a difference to him.
I heard about it from a few Aussie friends that I know. They told me the lads the were all sitting in the pub and someone brought this up as in like 'did you see that,trying to make us be nice to each other' but it got them talking and a few admitted to having some issues.

RedXIV

I came from a very rowdy, take the piss, never take offence, act the maggot upbringing with mates of a similar nature but when the going got tough, none of us have ever really bottled anything up. When my best mates dad told him he was leaving his mother and him for a woman he'd been sleeping with for years, he took his time and when ready, he told me. I didn't ask him anything.

I've done the same, when ya need help or advice or an opinion, whatever, as long as noone breaks down in tears, guys in general aren't too bad with it. sure there will be jokes but generally guys have enough tact to make jokes to make YOU feel good.

Maybe its the age group I'm associated with (mid 20s) but I've never had a problem with it?

minidazzler

I would be essentially the same as RedXIV, I have a small group of friends who nothing gets past, they know everything about me, even when I am at my lowest they will know and we will generally talk about it, then go on the piss. It works for me anyway.

Panthro

A mate of mine (who I've never heard the word "feelings" from) had a friend from national school days who sadly passed away a few months ago. A few days later I get a phone call from my mate asking if I wanted to go on the beer, I said sound, mate called over. Got a bit tipsy and the mate cried in front of me for the first time since I've known him. I reassured him no matter what happens he can always talk to me because fair play to him, he's been the rock for so many friends of mine down through the years.
I couldn't have had any more respect for the lad if I tried.