11 years into the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY journey, our iconic sticker that sparked a movement has reached an incredible milestone – 100,000 stickers in circulation!

The simple yet significant message behind the Stay ChatTY sticker has sparked conversations right across the state in schools, workplaces, clubs, family homes and community groups, acting as a visual reminder that nothing is so bad you can’t talk about, check in on someone you love, and to SPEAK UP! and Stay ChatTY.

Mitch, who founded SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, initially created the sticker back in 2013 after losing his younger brother, Ty, to suicide.

“For me it was a way to honour Ty, and to try and make a difference for others that were facing mental health challenges,” Mitch said.

“In its first print run, 1,000 Stay ChatTY stickers were made. I was convinced many would end up in my wardrobe collecting dust, but I believed in the messaging and wanted to get as many out there as I could.”

Much to Mitch’s surprise, all 1,000 stickers were given and posted out by him and his stepmum within 10 days. Many going to people Mitch had never met; hearing from community members that this sticker was sparking conversations in their own home about the need for change to break down stigma and normalise conversations.

Through the power of visual representation and community action now the equivalent of 1 in 6 Tasmanian vehicles sport a Stay ChatTY sticker.

A daily reminder to commuters across the state to check in on not only themselves, but someone they care about and a great example of inspired community action creating positive change.

But even with so many stickers in circulation, there are still some misconceptions out there about the backstory to its creation…

“A lot of people are surprised to hear, when they attend Stay ChatTY educational sessions, that the outline of the logo is not undies, but instead footy shorts. My younger brother Ty wore footy shorts everywhere he went, even places others may not see as see as being quite appropriate. The outline of the logo was a nod to his fun-loving character and the way he brought a smile to others faces.”

11 years into pioneering change in the mental health landscape Mitch recognises there is still so much work to do in ensuring people know how valuable their presence and listening ear can make.

“Our team fully acknowledge that asking someone how they are travelling won’t always be easy; it can be uncomfortable and awkward sometimes. But there is so much power in checking in on someone. It’s worth the discomfort and emotional exposure to know you can make a powerful difference in someone else’s life.

“I’ve never met someone who doesn’t feel a little lighter, a slight bit more connected or better off in the long run when they share what they are working through in a space that is respectful and safe.”

None of the work we have done over the last 11 years would have been possible without the Tasmanian community. It’s the collective commitment to proudly displaying the sticker on their cars, attending a Stay ChatTY session or another connection with Stay ChatTY coupled with taking positive action to check in on others that is making a real difference!

Stay ChatTY has grown to be a household name across Tasmania in the mental health space. Alongside the iconic stickers, interactions with the organisation now extend to over 65,000 Tasmanians having participated in a Stay ChatTY educational session in schools, sporting clubs, workplaces and community groups. As well as over 68,000 people participating in Stay ChatTY’s large scale community activation Shorts Day since its inception in 2021.

Milestones and achievements are things that we at Stay ChatTY like to celebrate, and to have reached 100,000 stickers is certainly one of which we are very proud.

View our Vox Pops in the streets of Hobart here and here; and some stories from our long-standing supporters here!