It’s not common to find a mental health themed pub in the Australian bush, but this is just what Stuart O’Neill has done after taking the reins of the Deepwater Top Pub, a hotel-motel in a New England community of around 435 people.
O’Neill began renovating the 150-year-old pub in June, before opening on 24 September, with keen locals encouraging him to open quickly.
The mental health concept was created after O’Neill, who has had his own battles with depression and thoughts of suicide, published his book ‘Just One Reason’, about suicide prevention.
Since the takeover, O’Neill has had many conversations with patrons about mental health, along with interest from mental health professionals from around the world.
Eclectic furnishings and comfortable chairs reminiscent of a grandparent’s house create a welcoming atmosphere, along with a huge pet-friendly beer garden. O’Neill ensures there are copies of Just One Reason available, as well as posters and a yellow suicide awareness ribbon clearly visible – all to encourage conversation.
Still, there is no pressure for people to share their stories. It’s simply available. There is O’Neill, his wife Suzi, and five part-time staff who run the hotel, all ready to lend an ear.
In a place where the pub is the place to meet, and with the knowledge that men can struggle to open up, O’Neil realised this was the perfect environment to encourage others to talk.
He says when someone has lost another to suicide, it stays with them.
Lifeline CEO of New England North West, Robert Sams, emphasises the importance of people talking about their lived experiences.
“Stigma is really hard to break down. And particularly in Australia, and particularly for men who feel like they’ve got to kind of just tough it out,” said Sams.
The issue is concerning. According to statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there have been 492 suspected deaths by suicide across NSW in the first six months of 2022 alone – an increase of six per cent.
Sams also commented that cost of living pressures is making it difficult for many people, so supporting local businesses and farmers, and being involved in community and keeping that camaraderie going, is essential in remote, rural and regional areas.
“I realised that when you want to take your life, you only need one reason not to. It doesn’t matter what that reason is,” O’Neill told the Glen Innes Examiner.
