Matt Dee, an activist and former lifeguard, first learned to surf during family vacations as a child. Growing up by the beach, he developed a love for the water and eventually moved to Sydney at the young age of 16.
Upon moving to Sydney, Dee pursued his passion for surfing and water safety by becoming a professional lifeguard at Bondi Beach. It was during his time patrolling the beach that he gained fame for his appearance on the reality series Bondi Rescue. His heroic acts of saving lives and ensuring the safety of beachgoers further solidified his reputation as a dedicated and skilled lifeguard.
Aside from his work as a lifeguard, Dee is also known for his advocacy work in raising awareness and understanding about severe mental illness. He has been actively involved in various mental health initiatives, including his close partnership with Suicide Prevention Australia. Dee's commitment to mental health awareness stems from personal experiences, as he tragically lost his older brother Jonathan to bipolar disorder in 2009. Later that same year, his younger sister Rachel, who had been living with schizophrenia, also passed away.
Dee's dedication to mental health advocacy has led to several notable achievements in the field. He has served as an ambassador for the Schizophrenia Research Institute and founded the FTW movement, which aims to raise awareness for those affected by mental illness. The movement, which stands for For Those Without, highlights the voices of individuals who have been lost to mental illness and advocates for better mental health support and resources.
Overall, Matt Dee's work as an activist and mental health advocate has had a lasting impact on both individuals and communities. Through his advocacy, he continues to shed light on the importance of mental health awareness and support for those facing mental health challenges.
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