About JB

For more than 20 years, Jonathan Bedloe has worked with communities, businesses and people in the areas of suicide prevention, men’s health and wellbeing, and community development. He specialises in training, facilitation, collaboration and coaching services, including accredited Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Intervention training. In 2022, Jonathan was presented with the 2022 LiFE Award for Outstanding Contribution to Suicide Prevention.

Through his leadership roles with Men’s Resources Tasmania (MRT), the Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) and now as an independent trainer, Jonathan has been a change agent for creating a healthier public awareness of suicide prevention, mental health and men’s health and wellbeing in Tasmania and throughout Australia. His focus on men’s health has inspired and led many men to take up the cause of advocating for a healthier masculine culture, especially around mental health.

“Jonathan was a knowledgeable and approachable trainer. His teaching style and the environment he set was just right for this intense yet delicate subject matter. I would recommend his course to anyone.”
— Sabrina Sequeira, PhD MIEAust CPEng - MHFA participant Feb 2023

Jonathan led the formation and convening of the Men’s Services Network Tasmania as an informal group from 2007 until its incorporation as Men’s Resources Tasmania in 2015. He was also a founding member of the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association and a past board member with TasMen.

In 2016, Jonathan participated in the formation of Primary Health Tasmania’s Working Group for the establishment of the Tasmanian trial sites under the Australian Government National Suicide Prevention Trial, where he advocated strongly for a focus on men due to the high rates of men dying by suicide in Australia. Tasmania was one of only two sites nationally with a focus on male suicide.

In addition, he delivered Suicide Talk sessions (90-minute community awareness discussions) to 30 groups through Neighbourhood Houses in 2015-17 and has been an accredited facilitator of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) since 2015.

In 2021 Jonathan worked with MRT to host the 24/7 Vigil for male suicide on Parliament House lawns. He is an accredited Mental Health First Aid trainer and facilitator, delivering workshops and training throughout Tasmania.

Jonathan’s work is focused on helping people, individuals, and groups to connect with each other and realise their potential. He believes we already have the solutions and tools we need to address the challenges and opportunities before us. His goal is to help people identify the best way forward by taking a grassroots approach that will create opportunity, self-actualisation, and meaningful success.

“I am in awe of your level-headedness and ability to deal with the complexities of the role of President of the school committee with good humour, calmness, and respect for everyone. I just wanted to express my gratitude—and I know that others on staff feel the same way.”
— Participant in facilitated difficult conversationsKath
“Absolutely fantastic course! I have gained a great wealth of knowledge.
Will definitely recommend to others to undertake. Thank you!”
— MHFA participant Feb 2022
“JB is the go-to person for men’s health in Tasmania.”
— Barry

Media

Winner Outstanding Contribution to Suicide Prevention Award (TAS).

Volunteering

Previous

  • AMHF Board—President (2 years), Board Member (3 years)

  • Australian Volunteers Abroad - group leader for Monash University students visiting Viet Nam volunteering with KOTO - Know One Teach One

  • Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association—Board Member

  • Cottage School Board—President (2 years), Secretary (1 year) Board Member (1 year)

  • TasMen board member 5 years

Experience

  • Co-facilitator of the National Men’s Lived Experience of Suicide Network.

  • Six years’ community development experience

  • Advanced Diploma in Facilitation

  • Four years delivering grassroots governance training, with over ten years on local and national boards

  • Six years delivering Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.I.S.T.)

  • Fifteen years of passion for men's work and growing support for men and boys in our community

  • Fifteen years working in the community sector with people with disabilities, men's sheds, and neighbourhood houses

  • Twelve years’ experience in adventure-based tourism and facilitating outdoor educational programs in Australia, North America, Zimbabwe, India and SE Asia. Roles included Trip leader, guide trainer, Level 2 Swiftwater Rescue Technician trainer.

Let’s chat

Please do give me a call, or drop me an email if you would like to catch up over a coffee or a walk to see how we can work together.

0429 581 095