Ben Broadbridge

Ben Broadbridge is the founder of ‘Beyond All Bounds’, an organisation focused on delivering the Mental Health First Aid course to the greater community. Ben’s vision as a Master Instructor, is to provide education for people who wish to be better equipped to assist someone experiencing a mental health problem, in turn assisting in the reduction of Australia’s suicide rate.

Ben’s parents both served in the Australian Regular Army for over 20 years each; along with a great number of his friends who also served. This has enabled him to relate with people who have served in the military and the negative effects that existing stigma can have on individuals who feel social pressure to "get on with it" and not seek professional help.

When a friend of his was involved in a serious car accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury, Ben left his high-flying corporate job to join a team of in-home support workers. During this time, he gained the skills to understand and work alongside someone having suicidal thoughts, living with PTSD, and severe depression. Ben has lost friends to substance abuse and has suffered firsthand from suicidal depression. It is this lived experience that gives Ben unique insight and context when delivering the MHFA course and how his passion to help others manage mental health illness was ignited. He understands the significant impacts that stress and isolation can have on one’s mental well-being, and is on a mission to reduce the suicide rate in Australia, particularly among young people.