Former first responder James Maskey, has been named the R U OK? Conversation Leader at the 2023 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards.
https://www.ruok.org.au/james-maskey
The judging panel recognised Mr Maskey’s outstanding contribution to suicide prevention work, particularly his work to promote stronger connections and meaningful conversations for those within the police and emergency services sector. In announcing Mr Maskey as the award recipient, R U OK? Community Ambassador, Kate Taylor highlighted the value of his efforts.
“James is a real champion for individual first responders and works tirelessly to increase help-seeking behaviours, remove barriers to accessing supports and ultimately create mentally healthy workplaces for police and emergency services personnel and volunteers,” said Ms Taylor. “James shares the story of his lived experience and recovery to encourage others to seek help and to create connections within the first responder community.
“He also reinforces the importance of having family and friends engage with R U OK?,” she said. “Congratulations James and thank you for championing the R U OK? message.”
R U OK? ‘Are They Triple OK?’ Podcast – Now Streaming
https://www.ruok.org.au/are-they-triple-ok-podcast
ABC News – Urging first responders and their families to seek mental health support after the murders of two officers in Queensland’s Western Downs Region
‘Mindarma’ Podcast Interview – S2 Episode 7: A Life of Purpose: ex-cop finds meaning after PTSD
Studio 10 Interview – The impact of ‘spill over stress’ on first responder families
ABC News – Suicide rate of first responders worrying support group
9 News National – COVID-19 pressures lead to increase in mental health issues among first responders
R U OK? ‘Are they Triple OK?’ Webinar – How to have a conversation that matters.
Emceed and facilitated by James Maskey
This a recording of an online event for police and emergency services workers and volunteers and their friends and family. The recording contains information on when and how to ask current and former police and emergency services workers, “Are you OK?” and respond appropriately if they say, “No, I’m not.”
This recording is part of the ‘Are they Triple OK?’ campaign which encourages stronger peer and social support for police and emergency services personnel. View the ‘Are they Triple OK?’ resources at ruok.org.au/triple-ok
ABC Radio National ‘This Working Life’ Podcast
‘The Tragic Impact of Answering the Call’, 2021
James speaks with ABC Radio National Broadcaster, Lisa Leong in an episode that covers James’ work experience as Queensland Police Officer, his diagnosis with PTSD and his drive to be a changemaker for the police and emergency services sector.
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/this-working-life/new-document/13103286
‘Roll With The Punches’ Podcast –
James Maskey, The Emergency Services Mentor, 2021
In this podcast episode, James shares his personal encounters and management of his own PTSD experience along with his world record performances in ultra-marathon running with host, Tiffanee Cook. James highlights that in order to tackle stigma and improve help-seeking behaviours in the emergency services sector, we must bring the voice of the lived experience community front and centre.
Worksafe Tasmania ‘PTSD: Mental Health Matters’ Conference
This session follows James’s exposure to occupational trauma and high pressure working environments, transitioning through diagnosis, finding solace in fitness – ultra marathons & world records, mental health advocacy, relapse and recovery.
- The Courier Mail, Daily Telegraph & Gold Coast Bulletin – ‘Star Students: Saint Stephen’s College’s 11 Best‘
James Maskey Consulting 