Together we can move mountainsfeel connectedsupport one another
Community is at the heart of who we are. At Barbarians Group, we believe that strong social connections can change lives and even save them.
We deliver programs and initiatives that build resilient communities, where people feel connected, supported, and equipped with the skills to face whatever comes their way.
How Our Journey Began
Our Story
Barbarians Group was born from loss, love, and a refusal to stand still.
We were set up in memory of our much-loved barbarian, Conan. A generous, fun-loving, guitar-strumming ball of energy. He loved nothing more than hanging with his mates, catching a wave, or sharing a beer or two. He was a son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, partner, colleague, and a good mate. Conan also struggled with his mental health, and sadly took his own life at the age of 23.
Losing Conan left a lasting question for our family: what could we have done? What did we miss? Rather than sit with that question, we chose to act, committing to education and connection so that others know they are not alone.
Our journey started with a trek through Nepal, where we raised over $52,000 for a well-known charity. When we discovered those funds weren’t reaching Western Australians, we decided to become more directly involved and become a charity to do it ourselves. In 2021, with charity status granted, the Barbarians were officially born, founded by Conan’s family and close friends, committed to ensuring every dollar stays within our community.
Since then, we’ve invested over $350,000 back into WA communities through programs like Blokes Nights, Mental Health First Aid training, school workshops, and rural support initiatives, from Esperance to Perth.
Impact – Creating Meaningful Change
Why Community Matters
Research consistently shows that social connections improve mental health and protect against suicide. But connection doesn’t just happen. It takes effort, intention, and people who care enough to create the spaces where it can grow.
That’s what we do. Whether it’s a trek through the bush, a quiz night with mates, a workshop in a regional town, or a conversation that wouldn’t have happened otherwise, every initiative we run is designed to bring people together and build the kind of community where no one has to face the tough stuff alone.
Every member of our board and committee is a volunteer. We understand the frustration of donating to a large charity without knowing where the money goes. With us, every single dollar raised goes directly into community programs that improve mental health and help prevent suicide. No salaries. No overheads skimmed off the top. Just impact.
Programs Delivered
Invested in WA Communities
Building a More Connected, Resilient World
Our Focus on Mental Health
While we support the broader community in many ways, you’ll notice a special focus on men’s mental health. Too often, men share the good times with their mates but try to fight the tough stuff alone.
The numbers tell a confronting story. In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44, and men account for around three out of every four lives lost to suicide each year. Behind every statistic is a person, a mate, a brother, a dad, a son, and a community left searching for answers.
We know that mental health outcomes are far better when extra support is called in. That’s why we work to bridge the gap, providing events, workshops, and resources that encourage men not only to show up for their mates, but to show up for themselves.
But our doors are open to everyone. Mental health doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we. Our programs, events, and community are for anyone who wants to be part of building a more connected, resilient world.
Impact – Creating Meaningful Change
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission To create a connected community and provide educational resources and intervention programs that improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide. Assist in preventing suicide or …with the ultimate goal of suicide prevention.
Our Vision: A community where people are empowered, encouraged, and engaged to seek mental health support.
Our Values
We believe Conan would be proud of what we’ve achieved, and of every person we’ve been able to help along the way.
To those who are struggling: we see you. Keep going. Together, as a community, we can move mountains.
Together We Rise: A Campaign for Everyone
upcoming events & Programs
The power of unity & collaboration
