What’s Happening

East Coast Awareness Cocktail Party, another huge success Mitch and James headed along to the East Coast Awareness Cocktail Party last month to show their support and enjoy an evening at the Spring Bay Mill, amongst hundreds of attendees. All there in support of the collective mission to [...]

Simon takes on the toughest half marathon for mental health On Sunday November 20, the 2022 Point to Pinnacle will see thousands of participants walk or run to the pinnacle of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. This event has been dubbed the toughest half marathon globally! In a show of grit [...]

440KM for Tas Port’s mental health 440km, six  Tas Ports locations across the state and an incredible amount of mental health conversations had. Sharing with an entire organisation statewide, is a great way to bring a stronger understanding and shared vocabulary around mental heath. This was Tash’s second [...]

Stay ChatTY visits King Island The King Island Phoenix Community House received a Mental Health Week grant to have us visit the island and share with locals. The event included a Community Presentation and Sport Presentation served with amazing local food! We also managed to explore the Community [...]

Run for Tarkyn Recently the Run for Tarkyn event was held for the second year, with runners and walkers taking off from Burnie Park and finishing at Table Cape, all in the name of prioritising mental health! Events like this cannot happen without some pretty special people with [...]

Stay ChatTY batter up for 2023 Stay ChatTY and Cricket Tasmania (in conjunction with the Hobart Hurricanes) have worked over many years, to deliver mental health awareness initiatives. Last month we had the opportunity to strengthen and grow our relationship and we look forward to working together again [...]

Coffees all round Tash joined the team at The Young Group recently to share our Workplace Presentation. Coffees were had all round, with the local roaming barista dropping in to make sure everyone was ready to settle into the session Thanks to Quenton for organising! We recognise finding [...]

Kindness continues at St Virgil’s College 2022 has delivered us another opportunity to share in 7 School Program sessions with the Year 9’s at St Virgil’s College. We always love heading along to St Virgil’s, and appreciate the ongoing support for Stay ChatTY and investment in their school [...]

World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) is held each year to raise awareness of suicide around the world. It is an important reminder of the role each of us can play in preventing suicide and supporting those impacted by suicide. This year’s theme is Creating Hope Through Action. [...]

With R U OK? Day approaching - September 8 - I will proudly don my bright yellow RUOK tee Community Ambassador tee. I wanted to reflect on my recent trip to America, where I took part in the International Visitor Leadership Program. I headed off for whirlwind, three-week [...]

Contagious? That sounds like a cheeky word to be using during a pandemic… But... can you remember that feeling you experience when someone does something kind for you? Or, when you show compassion towards someone in your life? It’s those thoughtful actions you experience that make you feel [...]

Banjo’s Bakery Café will make noise for the 8th consecutive year alongside SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY as part of their annual Coffee Month Fundraiser – donating 50c from every large coffee sold in any Tasmanian Banjos store throughout May. The focus of the campaign this year [...]

“I just wanted to say thank you for all you with with the SDP athletes this week - the feedback from parents, coaches and athletes has been super positive and personally I took a lot out of the presentation” - BT Coach. Stay ChatTY’s connection with Basketball Tasmania [...]

Each year Corpus Christi Catholic School invites both Issy and Mitch (former students) along to have a well-being focused session with the grade 6 group. The session allows Mitch and Issy to talk about their time and fond memories of the school. But also focuses on transition to [...]

It has been a busy and exciting time for the Junior Sport Program with Brooke connecting and presenting to many young athletes. We also kicked off our first official Parents and Coaches Presentation at Launceston City Football Club!! Incredible conversations and engagement has us super excited for the [...]

Mitch and Kylea headed along to visit the grade 9-12 students at Scotch Oakburn College. The School is supporting Stay ChatTY through awareness and fundraising across Term 1. Mitch was able to share a small part of his journey at assembly, followed by some time spent with students [...]

“Sometimes (most of the time) I don’t know what I am doing, I’m just doing the best I can.” A moment for personal reflection. A humanising moment. A moment of connection and realisation. In my opinion, the most important moment of the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Parents and [...]

This year on Sunday 27 March, Neighbour Day celebrates 20 years of connecting communities. Neighbour Day is Relationships Australia’s national campaign that encourages all Australians to build social connections in their local community and reduce loneliness. Loneliness is recognised as a public health concern with research indicating that [...]

Mitch visited the team at PFG in Hobart’s North this week to share his story. Such a wonderful group of people with a real focus on the well-being of their people. It was a privilege for us to bring Stay ChatTY into your work place, and we look [...]

Nominations for the 2022 LiFE Awards close Wednesday 9th March so get your entries in. This LIFE Awards celebrate the amazing work that Tasmanians do in the areas of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. Stay ChatTY proudly sponsors the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Outstanding Contribution by a Young [...]

The inaugural Run for Tarkyn event was held in Burnie in October last year, with runners taking off from Burnie Park and finishing at Table Cape, all in the name of prioritising mental health! Events like this cannot happen without some pretty special people with big hearts, creating [...]

As the end of the cricket season approaches, the Great Northern Cricket Club wanted to make sure having a visit from Stay ChatTY to talk with their players in the men’s and women’s programs was achieved. In season, off season or pre season, it doesn’t matter what time [...]

We always love joining forces with Hit100.9 Hobart brekkie boys Jimmy and Nath. Make sure you tune in Monday mornings for the weekly #ChattyCheckIn where Mitch joins the team to talk about all things mental health. We have some laughs, and Mitch tells some (not so funny) jokes [...]

You thought the last eight were fun, wait ‘til you see what we have in store for this one… 🎪 Save the date in your diaries and make sure to get onto your friends. More details to come soon on ticketing and sponsorship packages. Where: Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart [...]

For nearly 2 years our lives have all been impacted in one way or another by the changing landscape of Covid19. Financial hardship, missing loved ones, not getting to go on that overseas trip, mental health challenges and changes within your relationships are all examples of this. For [...]

Kylea Aldred, Project Officer, Schools & Sports Program Even at local level sport we understand the value in training sessions. We show up, we sweat, we learn, we grow, and we take that growth into game day. We know that if we don’t train, we won’t perform to [...]

Natasha Cloak, Senior Project Officer It takes a pretty special and selfless human to go out of their way to consider how they can positively impact their community, and then take inspired action! Stay ChatTY is incredibly fortunate to have many individuals, groups and businesses reach out each [...]

Isabelle Brighella, Project Officer, Schools Program People think I’m ‘complex’. I am hardworking. I’m fairly creative, which allows me to think freely, but to also see the ‘bigger picture’. On the flip side, I can be rational and an efficient problem solver. I’ve kinda got two sides to [...]

Brooke Hepburn, Project Officer, Junior Sports Program Racing heart rate, sweating, butterflies in the stomach, tightness in the shoulders, nervous energy coursing through the body – these are all too familiar sensations to a former athlete. In my case however, these sensations are no longer my body priming [...]

Last week the Stay ChatTY team once again took our Schools Program back to the year 9 boys at St Virgil's College. Mitch in particular had a ball speaking to the lads at his old stomping ground, reminiscing on his own experiences as a teenager and sharing his [...]

Lockdowns all across the world have and are continuing to affect the health and well-being of so many of us. A few months ago a former high school mate of Mitch’s, Tom Norton who now lives in the UK, reached out to Mitch to share his personal struggles. [...]

Stay ChatTY branded shoe laces and blue and red hair ribbons 🎀 were donned to celebrate the 4th annual Stay ChatTY Mental Health Round with the Netball Tasmania League. We are extremely proud of all teams who continue to support us and help remind the community that it’s [...]

Back In Motion Rosny Park is on a journey to promote positive mental health. 💙 Physio Sascha has been working to bring speakers (like us) into the business and has been developing team activities prioritising mental health. 🙌 Alongside this, Practice Director Evan has been upskilling and sharing his learnings [...]

Rachel and Issy recently visited Parkland High School in Burnie, to speak to the Grade 9 and 10’s about mental health. It was fantastic to see the school community embrace Stay ChatTY with a strong focus on continuing the mission to normalise conversations around mental health. Thanks for [...]

Massive thanks to Prospect House and Ravenswood Fire Brigade for having Kylea visit recently to share our Workplace & Community Presentation. In such a high-pressure environment like firefighting, prioritising mental wellbeing and support as well as having a strong team culture is fundamental. Our sessions aim to highlight the importance [...]

As the footy season wraps up, the Huonville Lions 🦁 made sure their club got involved with our Sports Program presentation in the final weeks of the 2021 season. Over two weeks, the club had James visit a number of times to talk with the senior men, women, reserves and [...]

Thank you to each and every one of you that purchased a ticket. We were overwhelmed by the support of our community and felt disappointed that we couldn't have everyone there to celebrate.💙💙💙 We can't wait for what is going to be an amazing night, but also to help raise much [...]

With national R U OK Day happening tomorrow, here’s your little reminder to take a meaningful moment and ask someone how they're REALLY going. You might think you don't know someone who is struggling, but the reality is there are many people in our lives who would benefit from being [...]

At Triabunna we spoke to the year 9s and 10s about mental health and the importance of normalising open, honest conversations. When asked what their favourite thing about the session was, the students at Triabunna District School said; 'That now I can feel more confident in seeking support' 'I liked [...]

Whilst in Launceston recently, Mitch visited the team at Eagle Crest to share his story. It was a small but intimate session, that allowed the Eagle Crest team a deep insight not only into Mitch’s life, but the important work we do here at Stay ChatTY.  “A positive shift in [...]

Mental illness is the most common health issue in young people, with 75% of mental illness having its onset before the age of 25. (Kessler et al., 2005) Sporting clubs are a place of connection for many of us, particularly young people. These clubs have recently taken a big step [...]

During June, Officeworks (Launceston and Hobart) participated in their national campaign where customers could round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate to charity. Both stores fully embraced their mission with decorating, fun days and sparking valuable conversations throughout the team and with customers. They achieved an amazing total of [...]

Thanks to the Good Sports team for inviting James, Brooke and Kylea from our Sports Program to present to the Circular Head community about mental health in sporting clubs. The forum provided a safe place for club members to attend and learn about the importance of hosting information sessions to [...]

The strong sense of community on Flinders was evident on Rach and Issy’s recent trip and the sessions with Flinders Island District High School involved conversations with value and depth. The Flinder’s community showed us the importance of connection to ensure that everyone feels safe to talk about their mental health [...]

Last month Banjo's Bakery Cafe CEO Jess Saxby handed a cheque over to Stay ChatTY for an incredible $30,793.00. Across May, our 7th #CoffeeMonth with Banjos was held, with 50 cents from every large coffee sold being donated to further awareness here in Tasmania. Many coffees were sipped across May, but [...]

The Southern Tasmanian Netball League (STNA) have continued their support for mental health for another year. 🎽 For the fourth year in a row the STNA have hosted their “Colourful Sock” weekend helping raise important awareness and remind each other that it’s okay to reach out for help. Thank you to all [...]

We are excited to announce that the Annual Stay ChatTY Gala Ball for 2021 will be on October 16th at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart. Gather your friends and family for what promises to be a fun filled evening raising funds for mental health and suicide prevention. For sponsorship information [...]

Following Aurora Energy's recent “Double the Plus” campaign 💙⚡, Sam and Tash met up with the Aurora team to celebrate their amazing results! We were privileged to be 1 of 3 recipients (alongside Cancer Council and Beacon Foundation) of a community driven initiative, of which we are so grateful for [...]

We are super excited Energy Solutions has come on board as a Stay ChatTY Sponsor. Not only are they focusing on normalising conversations about mental health within their organisation, but they are also implementing an exciting new “Buddy System” which will be rolled out in the coming months. The Buddy [...]

Thank you to everyone who braved the cold... and braved the conversation with us on Stay ChatTY’s first annual Shorts Day! To the thousands of people around the state, the country (and even in Antarctica 🥶) who wore shorts, wore shorts badges, who held fundraisers, who braved conversations and supported their [...]

The Sprintcar Association of Tasmania recently fundraised for us over three sprint car meets across Tasmania (in Hobart and Latrobe) leading into the Easter meet. With the support of the crowd and drivers Scott, Rachel and the team were able to raised a total of $2,500.00. Mitch caught up with Rachel [...]

The Tasmanian football season is in full swing, and thankfully many clubs are making mental health a priority. Recently Kylea took the Stay ChatTY Sports Program to both Bridgenorth and South Launceston Football Clubs. Thank you to Shannon, Kate and Lenny from SLFC and also Rob from BFC for helping [...]

Our Stay ChatTY Youth Reference Group had their first in-person meeting for 2021 last month. Some members travelled for over five hours to be involved on the night where many innovative ideas were brainstormed and action plans put in place. Every single member puts their heart, experiences and passion into [...]

Today some of the Stay ChatTY team headed north to launch an exciting new awareness initiative with the team at TasRail 🚂. After Mitch’s recent visits to share his story with TasRail staff across the state, the team wanted to continue their support for mental health and our key messages. [...]

Thank you Nyrstar Hobart, for the third year of support through the Annual Golf Day. 27 teams made up of employees past and present, suppliers and sponsors hit off to compete for the David Nichols Memorial Trophy. Even with COVID restrictions limiting numbers, $10,044.30 was raised from prizes, donations and [...]

Sam joins us as our Community and Digital Engagement Officer with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in marketing and communications. Sam will be assisting us with all things social media, communications and our engagement with our incredible fundraisers and supporters. We know Sam will help us expand our reach [...]

This month Officeworks are showing their support through their Round Up to Make a Difference initiative nationally. Round Up to Make a Difference is an initiative that forms part of Officeworks commitment to helping make a positive difference in the communities they serve. Stay ChatTY has been lucky enough to [...]

As many of you would have seen, we wanted to find an innovative and impactful way to bring our community together and break down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. We recognise that talking about mental health can sometimes be awkward, so on Monday June 21 let’s all come [...]

The first Resilience and Well-Being Workshop for the Tasmanian Tourism Industry (TTI) was delivered here in Hobart this month. Mitch joined Mel Irons (Senior Consultant and Psychologist), Bianca Welsh (restaurant owner and mental health advocate) as well as Ben Fisher from Lifeline Tasmania to deliver a range of mental health-related information [...]

Nothing brings a community together better than a game of basketball, particularly on the North West coast.🏀 Combining a common love for sport and a desire for community connection, the Somerset Basketball Club played the Burnie Basketball Club in a charity game. Six of the other NWBU teams also played [...]

Mitch recently ventured North to share his story with the staff at Stubbs Construction. The Stubbs team have recently engaged in a Community Action Plan with the Relationships Australia Tasmania Suicide Prevention team. An important action of their plan to engage with Mitch to learn about his Lived Experience with [...]

We are thrilled that the OHA and Canterbury Hockey Clubs have kept the tradition going. It was the 3rd annual SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Sporting Round between these clubs in April. 🏑 Continued support from sporting clubs such as these really helps to keep these important mental health and suicide prevention [...]

Stay ChatTY joins the stampede! 🦏 🏀 We are very excited to announce our partnership with the Hobart Chargers. Across the season we will be working together to strengthen team culture, equip players and coaches with tools and strategies for checking in on each other as well as promoting the [...]

We are thrilled to be welcoming to the Stay ChatTY team, Brooke Hepburn! 👏 Brooke is joining us to develop and implement a Junior Sports Program across Tasmania. Brooke has recently finished up a wonderful 10-year career playing cricket with the Tasmanian Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes. With qualifications in Nutrition, Dietetics [...]

We are so excited to see #CoffeeMonth with our good friends at Banjo’s Bakery kick off for 2021. All 29 Banjo’s Bakery Café stores across Tasmania will be donating 50 cents from every large coffee sold throughout the month of May to us here at Stay ChatTY. This year, our [...]

It has been another successful start to the State Development Program (SDP) season with Basketball Tasmania. Over the course of just one week in March, we were able to present to the boys and girls squads in Hobart, Launceston and Penguin. We feel grateful to be able to return to [...]

Felicity and her team are passionate about supporting each other as well as the children in their care. Last month Tash was invited along to share our Workplace and Community Presentation with the team. Amongst the activity stations brimming with fun and creative activities for the children that visit, the [...]

For the 6th year running Mitch headed North to share his story with the latest group of apprentices joining the team at Fairbrother. The Fairbrother Induction Day is a key day on the speaking calendar that Mitch always looks forward to. Having a background in the trade Mitch has the opportunity [...]

The Stay ChatTY Sports Program is proud to work alongside Good Sports again for another year. Through 2021 we will team up with Good Sports to help sporting clubs across the state by creating policy and plans, to promote positive mental health in sporting clubs of Tasmania. Collaborative partners are [...]

Ongoing relationships are something we are immensely proud of at Stay ChatTY! We have been fortunate enough to build strong relationships with many members of our community. One of those great relationships is with Build Up Tassie! Build Up Tassie helps young people build practical skills in the trade industry, [...]

We are extremely proud to announce that Mitch has become a National Ambassador for Neighbour Day. Neighbour Day is always held on the last Sunday in March, providing all Australians with an opportunity to recognise the strength we draw from our communities, and to continue to build creative connections within neighbourhoods [...]

The Scrounges Club has been a long-running initiative of the Bellerive Yacht Club (BYC) and its ever-growing community 🛥️ Each year Members and Sailors make donations (traditionally after Wednesday night twilight races), with funds raised being donated to local charities and organisations. After being selected this year, we were so proud [...]

To kick off ‘Back to Gym’ the Hobart Gymnastics Academy (HGA) invited Stay ChatTY to chat with their coaches. 🤸‍♀️ 🤸 Education on our mental health for coaches, parents and members can not only help support the people around us but can help us navigate through challenges in our own [...]

Lighting up the community through the Christmas Spirit! 🎄 That is exactly what Dean and Nat have been doing annually through their Christmas Lights of Blackmans Bay initiative. Each year Dean and Nat choose a charity to support, and we were fortunate to be chosen for 2020. Not only did they [...]

Mitch wrapped up his Lived Experience presentations across the state with the staff at TasRail 🚂 TasRail reached out to Mitch late last year, as they wanted to make the mental health of their staff a real priority in all four sites across the state. The team at TasRail have a [...]

Rachel and Renee worked with the grade 10’s at Calvin Christian School during three sessions. 🏫 After successful sessions in 2020 it was so good to be embraced by Calvin Christian School again with this year’s sessions providing space for open and honest conversations about mental health. This was a great [...]

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY strongly believes in the power of lived experience to create change. Stories Worth Sharing aims to give a voice to the many people who have struggled with their own mental health, supported others, or have been bereaved by suicide. We hope that these stories will help [...]

Winter (sport) is coming 🏉🏑⚽🏐 So, as you finalise rosters and set training schedules, make sure you consider ‘Sporting’ the Stay ChatTY Logo this season. The Stay ChatTY logo represents a strong reminder to check in on both yourself and those around you. Having the Stay ChatTY logo on your playing [...]

Connection is often built through our words, and we all know how powerful those messages can come through by song. Fellow Tasmanian’s Luca Brasi have gotten behind our mission to create as much awareness as we can about speaking up and seeking support when we need it. With the release [...]

Wilson Homes staff and sub-contractors have a passion to learn more about and rethink mental health in their industry 👷👷‍♀️ As part of their annual staff and supplier BBQ, a focus was taken towards breaking down the stigma around discussing mental health and looking out for each other on job sites, [...]

If you need extra support, just ask. Tony, club president of the Kingston Crows, contacted us recently to return to the club for the second season in a row. Tony realised that the group needed some key reminders when it came to showing support for each other, and we were [...]

Brendan Shaw College in the states North was our last School’s Program visit for 2020! Stay ChatTY would like to say a huge thank you to all Tasmanian schools who have supported our mission to spread positive mental health in schools across 2020. If you are keen to have Stay [...]

In December, Mitch was a keynote speaker at the Local Government Association of Tasmania Conference at Hobart's Wrest Point Casino. Mitch’s presentation was a wonderful fit given the theme of the conference was “reconnect”. Mitch’s story and messages were a timely reminder for delegates to check in on the mental [...]

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY strongly believes in the power of lived experience to create change. Stories Worth Sharing aims to give a voice to the many people who have struggled with their own mental health, supported others, or have been bereaved by suicide. We hope that these stories will help [...]

After 2 years of organising, Mitch finally found his way to Ulverstone to share his story with over 60 Fairbrother staff. With over 95% of the audience being male, this session was another step in the right direction to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the trade [...]

Our Youth Engagement continues to expand thanks to Australia Post. We are excited to announce we were a 2020 Australia Post Community Grant recipient for our project ‘SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY for youth, by youth - positive mental health’. The grant will enable us to provide further tools, support and [...]

Maddy is leading by example promoting mental health in her sailing community. We are fortunate to work with many amazing members of our community and Maddy Salter is one of them. As vice-president of the Tasmanian Sharpie Association Maddy has a passion to help those around her in building the [...]

The whole Stay ChatTY team would like to extend a big thank you to Ahpra for their support since 2017. It is generous donations like this that allow us to continue important conversations to our community about mental health. After a challenging year for us all, your support at this [...]

It takes a special person to help us deliver our key messages far and wide. Mark ‘Jabba’ Jablonski (left) is one of those people at the Derwent Cricket Club 🏏 The club is creating a culture of inclusion, equality, kindness with a strong focus on player development. All these efforts are [...]

Volunteer Fire Brigade crews from Midway Point, Dodges Ferry and Orielton Fire Brigade joined forces last night for an evening focused on mental health. Mitch headed along to share both his story, as well as tips for dealing with mental health issues you or a friend might be experiencing. Encouraging [...]

Our partnership with Cricket Tasmania continues to strengthen 🏏 Tash recently joined the Cricket Tasmania crew for our Workplace and Community Presentation. The session takes a focus on expanding awareness around mental health and ensuring everyone leaves the room with additional tools and strategies to support themselves, their colleagues and their [...]

Both Wynyard High and Burnie High’s school communities got behind the Stay ChatTY Schools Program being rolled out in October. Within all five sessions, the students showed a vested interest and passion in prioritising mental health. The energy was high in both school communities and we just loved being able [...]

We are beyond thrilled that the Fairbrother Foundation have extended their support of us at Stay ChatTY, and our work across Tasmania. After the previous three years of generous support, the Fairbrother Foundation will support us with $7,500.00 per year across three more years. We are excited to find ways to [...]

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY strongly believes in the power of lived experience to create change. Stories Worth Sharing aims to give a voice to the many people who have struggled with their own mental health, supported others, or have been bereaved by suicide. We hope that these stories will help [...]

Stay ChatTY for the fourth year running, proudly sponsored the Outstanding Contribution to Suicide Prevention by a Young Person award. We were pleased to announce that the winner this year was Matt Etherington. Since 2016, Matt has coached The Big Issue’s Community Soccer Program, an all-abilities social inclusion initiative using [...]

Make sure you check in with your team mates this off-season. 🏈🏀⚽️ Go beyond the banter. 💙 Check out the video here! #StayChatTY

Sometimes good things take time! ⏰ And after three years of discussions, the Stay ChatTY Schools Program finally landed at Fahan School with the Grade 12 students. These girls were so passionate about having us visit they continued to look at ways to make sure the session could happen. So, [...]

Good culture wins games. 🥇 And kindness is one fast track way to boosting good team culture. ✨ The Launceston Tornados 🏀🌪 jumped at the chance to learn more about supporting themselves and their teammates when it comes to mental health. Thank you, Corey and the squad, for making this [...]

On the 10th of September, the Stay ChatTY team were extremely proud to play our part in representing R U OK? on National R U OK? Day. It was an action-packed day that saw our team visit many different organisations across the south of the state. Our conversations shared where [...]

The team at Boags Launceston hold an annual staff wellness day at their site in Launceston. This year Boags invited Mitch up to share his story, and to talk about ways we can all better support each other when it comes to mental health. With the majority of the staff [...]