About - Barefoot Raw

A few words about us

Barefoot Raw is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to challenging the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

We are creating a safe, supportive space where men can openly share their struggles, experiences and stories to help one another. We advocate for greater awareness and understanding of men’s mental health, both in the workplace and in day to day lives. We believe that no one should face their challenges alone – every journey has its roadblocks and together we can navigate them.

mission

Our aim with Barefoot Raw is to have a safe and comfortable place for men to come and express themselves.

There is power in conversation.

Our mission is to enlighten men that seeking help is one of the first steps toward improving their well-being. Strength is not just in the body, it is in the mind and keeping a strong mental state will positively overflow to other aspects of your life. We aim to show that improving mental health doesn’t require giant leaps – small, steady steps toward opening up can make all the difference.

Now more than ever we need to feel comfortable in sharing our problems. Many men suffer alone with the pressures that the daily grind brings.

Many of us wear many hats – father, husband, partner, brother, boss, uncle. In doing so, we often focus on others and forget to take care of ourselves. that’s why we have created this space: to help you prioritise your own well-being.

vision

"The vision I have with Barefoot Raw is to create a men’s community with a core focus on men’s mental health."

We see Barefoot Raw growing majorly as a community. We host casual events where men can feel comfortable in talking about things on their mind or trying new activities. As well as stepping out of their comfort zone to become part of a larger community. We have already seen the growth of many men being able to get subjects off their chest, with support in return in the form of advice or just a new friend.

Whether people are involved in all our events or just following our guidance, no matter how big or small the connection, we’re grateful to be a support system for those in need.

OUR TEAM...

Robert Fitzsimons

President/ Founder

After being involved in a workplace injury while serving in the Royal Australian Navy, 6 weeks before my 21st birthday, I had ongoing mental health issues for the years following.

Unfortunately, back then there was very little assistance in the mental health space. I don’t think I ever really comprehended the long term ripple effect this incident would have on myself and everyone around me as I bottled everything up inside. Instead, I thought my injury wasn’t so bad, it could have been worse and plenty of people out there have worse injuries than mine. I really just wanted to recover and get back on with my life. This thinking was going to create a detrimental impact…

Over the next 15 years I would suffer from excessive drinking, depression and prescription medication addiction. I would remove myself from any situation that would involve talking about my emotions.

Once I had the ability to do so, I left the military and went on to explore work up North doing FIFO. At the start it was great, the work was hard and hot, and the money was amazing, but after a few months working four weeks on, one week off, the shine quickly wore off. It wasn’t really the work, but the isolation. Sitting in your room each night with the constant reminder of everything you are missing out on whilst away. They don’t force you to stay there, but I think it’s awfully hard to leave once you get attached to the lifestyle and salary.

Within both industries, I was involved in more suicides than I wish to remember. After 10 years working FIFO and 2.5 in-between town and on the wharfs I was made redundant which was a blessing in disguise, I just didn’t know it yet.

Now working in the event space it gives me a great appreciation for the social interaction and the amazing sense of accomplishment with the constant feedback following our work.

My aim for starting Barefoot Raw is to help share stories, knowledge and first hand experiences with the guys in need. To change that “cement pill” mentality and for us men to know it is okay to share our struggles and to understand that it’s okay to have a bad day, your emotions do count and the sun will always shine again.

We may not have all the answers but hopefully people in need will understand they do not need to suffer in silence… they are not walking alone.