Meet the Team
What started as me sharing my story has now grown into a registered not-for-profit that works hard to raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma. I have now spoken at over 600 events, including school groups, workplaces and sporting clubs, and I am dedicated to spreading the message that nothing is so bad that you can’t talk about it.
I believe my story resonates with many people. People who, like my family at the time, might not think mental health is a priority or that they will ever be affected by it.
My vision is that SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY will become a national charity, with a focus on delivering programs in schools and sporting to increase awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health.”
At the end of 2016 I lost my best friend, my Dad to suicide. Amongst the devastation I recognised wearing “armour” had become my ongoing coping mechanism in “protecting” myself from emotional exposure. In reality it was keeping me isolated from connection and support. It became my highest priority to find a different way of thinking … and living!
My mission as part of the Stay ChatTY Team is to share my experiences and learnings as well as lead through connection and kindness – these two simple yet significant tools are game changers!
I love making someone smile, helping others to see we are never alone or assisting with the slightest shift in a perspective that opens someone up to feeling like things can get better.”
Life is full of mountains and valleys and so often we make choices when we are in a valley that impact our lives negatively. We can’t see the broader view, or whole picture when we’re in a valley, but engaging in conversations about mental health will enable us to push through the valleys and onto the mountains where the view is broad and filled with hope.
Mental health is for everyone, and the more we understand our bodies, our experiences and our brains, the healthier we will be. Being strong mentally requires a community and I love that SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY is providing the opportunity for communities to form and develop language and understanding around mental health and how we can be proactive rather than reactive.”
I am excited about the changes that are happening in the space of mental health and the movement from what was predominantly ‘Medical Modelling,’ towards a bigger focus on the social aspects and approaching people in a holistic way.
My desire to work alongside and support others has led me to undertake a Diploma of Community Services, and ultimately to become part of the Stay ChatTY Team.
Supporting others and their wellbeing does not have to be structured, conversations can be lighthearted, and meditation itself doesn’t actually have to involve crossed legs and sandalwood, if that’s not your thing.
I am passionate about achieving an increased understanding of what mental health is for everyone. Let’s remove the stigma that it has to be a heavy subject or that poor mental health always requires professional help. Sometimes the answer can be as simple as an ear to listen.”
I also gained a pretty poor work-life balance, fuelled by the ‘work hard play harder’ culture of ‘big city’ London – mental health and self-care discussions were not the norm, especially publicly.
This all changed for me in 2017 when I lost my Mum to suicide, who had been struggling with her mental health for decades.
The heartbreaking loss fuelled a strong desire to be part of the solution in sparking more conversations. One of my favourite quotes comes from British-Indian sculptor, Anish Kapoor, who said: “All ideas grow out of other ideas”. Sure, we’re ok on our own, but it’s when we come together that things can become truly brilliant. I’m over the moon to be part of such a fantastic team, and to have the opportunity to connect with our beautiful Tassie community. What a privilege!
