HALT founder Jeremy Forbes said it was important for everyone to hear about suicide awareness and that it was okay to have the ‘tough conversations’ about mental health.

“We’re here at BTEC in Bendigo because I believe these are a vulnerable cohort of young men and women in the community,” Mr Forbes said.

“I want them to be able to connect to services in the area and to be educated around what services are here and how to access them.

“This is about community engagement and empowering these young men and women to be able to breakthrough the stigma that is attached to mental health.”

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HALT initially started their breakfasts with tradies as the main target for their message but they also want to engage with younger people from throughout the community.

“We started off with tradies and that was important but we then we realised it affects everyone in the community,” Mr Forbes said.

“We want to work with the young men and women who are potentially going to become tradies when they find apprenticeships.”

BTEC teacher Cindy Grant said the major underlying message was to ensure the students were educated on the available services in the area.

“We want them to know we care about them,” Ms Grant said.

“Spread the word and talk up. If they know anyone who is suffering, or might be suffering themselves, this will teach them how to make the first contact for help.”

At the event there was free food and coffee for the students as well as representatives from headspace, Anglicare and Bendigo Community Health Service.

If you or somebody you know is thinking about self-harm contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/.