What’s Happening

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 [...]

We invest a lot of our time into our jobs. That’s why it so important we prioritise talking about mental health in the workplace. Often our colleagues become one of our biggest support networks. Creating more understanding around mental health can strengthen those relationships and provide more confidence to spot the [...]

Have you always wanted a Stay ChatTY sticker on the back of your car? 🚗 Well, thanks to Coles you can now purchase our iconic Stay ChatTY sticker from any of their stores ... statewide! 🛒 Head along to any service desk at Coles here in Tasmania and become part [...]

This month we celebrated the amazing result from this years’ #CoffeeMonth with our good friends at Banjo’s . A total of 57,692 large coffees were sold at participating stores throughout September, which resulted in a total of $28,846 being raised. We are so thrilled that after such a challenging year [...]

Josh Willie MLC (Labour Member for Elwick) decided to focus his “Special Interest” speech in Parliament this month on the positive impact he feels Stay ChatTY has had here in Tasmania. We know there are positive stories out there that come from our work, but the reality is we just don’t [...]

September 10 was R U OK? Day. That morning the Stay ChatTY team kicked off a busy day of spreading the R U OK message by catching up with our friends at Cricket Tasmania. Alongside the Cricket Tasmania staff, players and other officials the Stay ChatTY team gathered for a [...]

This month the Stay ChatTY team wrapped up 6 sessions with St Virgil's College 📚 We have been fortunate to have an ongoing and ever-growing relationship with St Virgil’s College staff and students for the last 6 years. The students as always were really engaged and contributed positively in all [...]

A couple of years ago Mitch shared his story with a group of people where Nick (pictured) formerly worked. Nick these days is Store Manager at Anaconda Hobart, and this week invited Mitch to share with the team at the Cambridge store. Nick has shared with us that Mitch’s story [...]

We wanted to give a huge shout out to our amazing Youth Advisor Joel Berry, and the incredible group of young people he has brought together from across the state. Developing a Youth Reference Group was on our wish list 15 months ago, and thankfully it has become a reality [...]

This month Stay ChatTY launched a very exciting partnership with Cricket Tasmania for the upcoming 2020/21 season and beyond. The partnership demonstrates the ongoing commitment of two Tasmanian organisations to raise awareness about mental health.   Cricket Tasmania will be working closely with us to provide players across the Tasmanian [...]

Earlier on this year, the Bracknell Football Club in the state's North reached out to Stay ChatTY to assist them in better educating members of their club and community around mental health. After experiencing loss earlier this year, the club wanted to provide members with as much education and awareness [...]

It was one of our biggest days on the calendar in September, marking the 10th as R U OK Day and World Suicide Prevention Day. In the Mercury our very own Mitch and Relationships Australia Tasmania CEO Michael Kelly put together a piece for the ‘Talking Point’. The article highlights [...]

Across the month, Kylea facilitated multiple presentations at the West Devonport Hockey Club 🏑 🐉 To complement these information sessions the club were passionate to reinforce mental health awareness by hosting a Stay ChatTY themed round. Efforts like this not only strengthen bonds between players and teams but bring the [...]

Mitch was invited along to share his story with first and second year apprentices from Degree C in Campbell Town. Degree C gathered their newest employees to go over many important aspects to becoming an integral part of the organisation, with mental health as a really strong focus for the [...]

Julia and Kylea braved the snow earlier in the month to visit St Helens District High School. Sessions were delivered with the grade 9s, 10s, teachers and families about understanding mental wellbeing, keeping mentally fit and helping a friend. The students were really engaged and it was clear the whole [...]

Tash headed along to Elizabeth College this month to share in a conversation about five ways to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us. This was the first school assembly since the COVID-19 restrictions have been in place. After months of collective challenge, [...]

With three successful years of collaboration already achieved we are very excited to continue our relationship with St.LukesHealth for the next three! St.LukesHealth is passionate about making a difference in the Tasmanian community and our ongoing partnership sees many exciting ideas ahead. Their ongoing support will enable us to create and [...]

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 [...]

Welcome our newest team member, Isabelle Brighella. Isabelle (Issy) joins us to deliver our Stay ChatTY Schools Program into high schools across the state. Issy is a provisional school psychologist who has worked directly in schools providing support to students and facilitating group skills training workshops. She’s a wealth of [...]

Bringing the community together for collective impact is something, we at Stay ChatTY, are very passionate about! This month we celebrated the amazing efforts of The Rotary Club of Central Launceston through the Tamar Valley Cycling Challenge feat. Sally’s Ride doing just that! The event was an amazing way to [...]

12 months into a three-year partnership offers a celebratory milestone as well as an opportunity to stop and reflect on what has been accomplished so far. The Stay ChatTY team always knew the partnership would be a great fit as Clennett’s Mitre 10 are super passionate about the health and [...]

For the second year in a row, Nyrstar have kindly chosen us as their charity of choice for their annual Golf Day. Although the actual day of competition was in early March, we have only just been allowed access to collect the funds and to celebrate the effort put in by everyone on the day (being socially distant of course). [...]

At Stay ChatTY, one thing we love is when people take the time to give us feedback. We wanted to share some incredibly kind words we received recently about our Community Engagement Officer, Tash. We are very proud of you Tash, and thank you for your dedication to both our team, and positive mental health across the state. [...]

There is no better time than right now for us to thank those that continue to support us and the work we do. To our partner Relationships Australia Tasmania, major sponsors, ongoing supporters, workplaces, community groups, sporting clubs, individuals and many more, we say thank you! Seven years strong and as our team continues to grow, so does [...]

Many amazing people have supported Stay ChatTY over the years. Without this level of support from so many groups and individuals, we would not be able to spread our messages as far and as wide as what we do. We wanted to focus on one person who not only supports our work in many ways, but [...]

With a slight delay, round 1 of the TSL competition finally got underway this month. Clarence Football Club and Lauderdale Football Club wasted no time by playing for the annual Stay ChatTY Cup first up. This was the eighth consecutive year these two clubs have proudly represented Stay ChatTY through this awareness-raising round. Well done to Lauderdale FC on the win, with Josh McGuinness [...]

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 to bring light to the issue [...]

Julia and Rachel kicked off our return to in-person school sessions at MacKillop College. Rachel was amazing; with this session also marking her first session as one of our newest team members! Young people are facing some pretty big challenges in the current climate, so getting them engaged in conversations surrounding mental health, help-seeking and reminders of the value [...]

After lots of conversations, we have made the difficult decision to not host the annual Stay ChatTY Gala Ball for 2020. As we all navigate through the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, our team all agree that safety and spreading positive mental health messages across the state of Tasmania needs to be our major focus right now. We will be keeping busy making [...]

The past four months have been different for everyone and have no doubt brought us all challenges - our team being no exception. But we are super excited that as of this month to be back presenting face to face across Tasmania. We have been busy ensuring COVID measures are in place which means the way we go about our booking [...]

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY have created a range of online resources across our Sports, Schools and Community/Workplace Programs. As we transition back into our offices, clubs and classrooms we wanted to remind you all to still access these fantastic educational tools. We are looking forward to being able to interact [...]

Have you been missing your teammates? Well if so, we have some great news... The Sports Program is happy to announce that Q&A sessions over Zoom to sporting clubs across the state are now available. The group call will provide the opportunity to discuss how members are feeling about being away [...]

We present the Clennett’s Mitre 10 & Stay ChatTY measuring tape! 👷 Our ongoing collaboration with Clennett’s Mitre 10 is something we at Stay ChatTY are really proud to be a part of. As always Clennett’s come up with wonderful ways to share our messages. Whether it’s for work, for home [...]

We are thrilled to have been announced as the 2020 Men’s Health People’s Choice Award winner for Tasmania. We want to thank each and every person who voted for us, and most importantly every person, school, workplace and sporting club that continues to embrace and work with our organisation. We [...]

In late May, Launceston’s very own Andrew Palmer danced non-stop for 24 hours. Andrew rallied many people both local and around the country to take part, all whilst fundraising for both us and the Examiner Newspaper’s Winter Relief Appeal. We are so excited to continually see people across our state and country help us raise [...]

Recently, Mitch was invited along by the Minister for Mental health and wellbeing Jeremy Rockliff, to create a special video for Men’s Shed Tasmania. Men’s Shed groups across Tasmania, like many other groups across our state, are doing it tough without their usual connection, communication and comradery. So a positive message to remind everyone [...]

The time has come for Kat’s next chapter! We are equally excited and saddened that this week marks Kat’s last week with the Stay ChatTY Team until 2021 as she heads off to welcome her first baby into the world. Kat has such a positive impact on our team – she is so caring, thoughtful [...]

Our Stay ChatTY Youth Reference Group (YRG) held its inaugural round of consultation between April and May! We had originally planned to meet in person, but the amazing team, led by our Youth Advisor Joel, quickly adapted to the online space. The YRG provided their input on our online Schools Program webinars, an upcoming Sports [...]

The annual Nyrstar Golf Day event celebrated its 26th year in 2020, and it showed. The support of Nyrstar’s community was outstanding, from the amount of prizes donated, to the amount of people that return to play each year. The weather leading up to the day was very wet, however come time for [...]

Schools Online webinars: Our pre-recorded webinars are created to increase the mental health knowledge of young people in the community and provide strategies to keep mentally fit. They are tailored for any young person in grades 9-12 and supported by the Department of Education. Please get in touch below [...]

Since I began as the Youth Advisor at Stay ChatTY in October of last year, the focus of my work has been the promotion, creation and operation of our inaugural Stay ChatTY Youth Reference Group (YRG). After weeks of promotion, interviews and communication leading up to our first-ever meeting, a [...]

After only a few weeks since sporting competition stopped, I was already seeing clubs finding new ways to connect and challenge each other. I wanted to help. Over the past few months, I have been developing a resource for coaches and club leaders to add structure to online club-based activities [...]

With a full schedule of presentations and travel state-wide in the coming months I was excited for the weeks ahead. One of my favourite parts of my role is getting to meet new people and share the Stay ChatTY story and key messages. As it became clear, travel and presentations would need to be placed on [...]

In the past month, we have been busy investigating and discussing innovative ways we can deliver the Schools Program content online. We have tested different platforms and spoken extensively with the Department of Education Tasmania, to make sure we can produce online webinars in a safe environment for all schools. Currently, [...]

With direction from the government and health experts, our daily lives are changing. Mitch addresses how this looks for our programs and highlights some actions we need to achieve during this time of uncertainty. View the video

With school closures and cancelled events, many young people may be feeling anxious, isolated and disappointed. During this time, we really want to make sure staff members, teachers and young people are still receiving our key messages around promoting positive mental health. We will be working hard in the next few weeks to put [...]

Stay ChatTY recognises that looking after your mental health during COVID-19 is of utmost importance, so we have developed some tips that might help manage the changes to daily life. Follow the LINK to access tips, where to find information and some downloadable resources developed by us. Keep safe, keep connected, keep going.

Conversations matter - the spread of Coronavirus is affecting all of us emotionally. If you have had a difficult day at work, school or in your home, it’s important to talk about it. Pick up the phone, jump online and discuss how you’re feeling and thinking, every day, good and bad. If you notice someone [...]

For most of us, our work life has shifted drastically, and our social interaction has decreased severely. In a time of great uncertainty and change our normal routines are no longer something we can rely on. Workplaces and community groups offer us far more than a consistent place to visit or a source of income. [...]

Due to the current circumstances, we have decided to postpone this year’s SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Gala Ball. But don’t worry – we still want to dance and enjoy this occasion with you once we get to the other side of this collective challenge! The NEW date for the Ball is Saturday the 17th October [...]

It has been quite the start to the year, with most summer sports not being able to complete finals and the cancellation of the kick-off to all winter sport. This means for many of us that going to our sporting club to play, coach or volunteer is no longer possible. Clubs are vital throughout our communities. They are a [...]

Did you know that research by Relationships Australia suggests at least 1.5 million Australians have experienced loneliness for 10 years or more? Feeling like we belong is a basic human need, and can harm us not only mentally, but physically too. In an effort to reduce social isolation, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY is proud to be celebrating Neighbour Day [...]

Have you ever felt out of your comfort zone stepping into a new chapter of life? Build Up Tassie provides support & skill-based learning for young people seeking employment and brought us in to chat about the importance of mental health awareness. Navigating new surroundings, new people and new experiences can be challenging. A focus of Tash’s [...]

What do you think this rig is worth? Cement Australia wanted their workers to hear some of Stay ChatTY’s key messages around mental health and suicide awareness. Over two sessions James spoke to nearly all of the workers on-site and in the mine. When you can address an entire worksite at once, it can reduce the stigma around mental health [...]

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 to bring light to [...]

Kindness is key when building a good team culture. 🔑 The Kingston Crows Cricket Club reached out to us to educate their players, coaches and support staff on mental health. The skills gained in the Sports Program can be applied on field and in everyday life. Are you a club that hasn’t had the Sports Program? Get in touch - staychatty@reltas.com.au. #StayChatty #MentalHealthAwareness

After a much-needed speaking break, Mitch returned to the stage this month sharing with the staff at Murdoch Clarke Solicitors. As Mitch closes in on his 600th presentation as a lived experience speaker, his passion to share his story as far and wide as possible has never been stronger. If your workplace or community group would like to hear Mitch’s [...]

We are excited to announce that the Schools Program has now extended to all schools across the state including independent and Catholic schools. Email staychatty@reltas.com.au to book in a session for 2020.

Do you play sport for a club, or train with a group of people? The Stay ChatTY Sports Program aims to normalise the conversation of mental health, provide tips on staying mentally fit and how to spot the signs if a team mate is struggling. James recently visited the New [...]

Thank you to Jenina and the JDW community for supporting Stay ChatTY as part of their annual dance concert. The theme was “What the World Needs Now” and the undercurrent of love and kindness was so well aligned with some of our key messages. With the efforts of the JDW [...]

Did you see ‘FilePro’ competing in the 2019-20 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race? Tim Gadsby and his crew decided to generously display our logo all over the yacht, as they seriously believe in the change our work is creating. Tim says the yacht has been a “space for his [...]

We’re sure you’d agree having fun is an important part of life? Fun connects us back to what is important in our worlds. Thank you to Amie from Madison Events who organised a ball at the Launceston Grand Chancellor at the end of 2019. A fun night with a big [...]

Coles continue to support us with sales of our Stay ChatTY stickers and wristbands in-store right across the state and alongside that Bec Woods heads up creating multiple fundraising activities to support us throughout the year. Recently Coles held a quiz night at Blundstone Arena. The energy in the room [...]

We love hearing about the positive ripple effect that people in our community have when they take inspired action. Ben Hirst recently completed his third massive annual effort for Stay ChatTY and had many people join him during his seven day mission to run Laps for Lads. Jed Matthews (pictured) was one of those people that came [...]

Earlier on in November Jayde Richardson swam for over 12 hours and successfully crossed the English Channel. Jayde some time ago decided to raise funds for us at Stay ChatTY along the way given her passion for mental health and suicide awareness. We were so pleased recently to receive a visit from Jayde to announce she had raised [...]

Kat and Julia were given an exciting opportunity to travel to Flinders Island in November, presenting our positive mental health workshops. Over two days they delivered sessions to teachers, students and community members. They also found some time in between to explore the incredible island! Thank you so much Flinders Island District School, TasPorts and Ken at Mountain [...]

Last month, the Student Operations Division within the University of Tasmania fundraised for us at Stay ChatTY. Five teams within the division competed against each other to see who could raise the most money. Teams cooked meals, baked desserts, even sketched drawings, selling them to raise further funds. Mitch was thrilled recently, as [...]

November was mental health month at RACT – Hobart, which was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health. This year, 27 teams consisting of 127 staff across the organisation signed up to be a part of the Safety and Wellbeing’s RACT Team Challenge for Mental Health. Each team was [...]

Another positive session for the Sports Program visiting the Campion group at Jenina’s Dance Workshop. Being a part of a club/studio and surrounding yourself with like-minded people can be protective of your mental health. If we detect one of our teammates is just 1% off their game, we need to make it a priority to find out what’s on their [...]

In early November our good friends at Mackillop held a whole school 'Wear Your Shorts to School Day' fundraiser as part of their annual 'Sunny Side Up' initiative which this year focused on mental health. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t play fair delivering a cloudy, rainy and windy day for the staff and students. Despite the [...]

The Stay ChatTY Schools Program will now be available for all Catholic and Independent secondary schools across Tasmania in 2020. The Schools Program provides mental health literacy workshops for grades 9-12, which is grounded in evidence and aligned with the Australian Secondary School Curriculum. We also offer teacher and parent workshops in cost-effective packages for a whole school [...]

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 [...]

A message from Ben: “For my third Run for Mental Health challenge I wanted to do something that people thought was crazy, unachievable and downright ridiculous. Laps for Lads ticked all these boxes and running 775kms in 7 days around a 330-metre school oval definitely got people to take notice [...]

The Stay ChatTY Sports Program has been present in the North of the state this month. Kylea, Sophie and James have been hard at it, presenting in the North and North-West of the state. Kylea presented to the Riverside Cricket Club, James spoke to players at both the Penguin Basketball [...]

Tash visited IOOF and shared the community presentation over two sessions. It was amazing to have IOOF embrace Stay ChatTY’s key messages and to have over 60 members of the team spend time investing in these sessions. #StayChatTY

The Annual Calvary Quiz night was held recently, run, organised and lead by the amazing David Clarke and Ash Tuttle. General Manager Calvary Hobart Marcus DiMartino and Director of Mission Tony Brennan (pictured) were on hand at a Leaders and Managers session held in Hobart recently, to hand over the [...]

Mitch delivered a keynote presentation at the National Australian Institute of Embalming Conference. Around 100 people gathered from across the country (and internationally) for this annual event which this year was held in Tasmania. Millingtons Funeral and Cemetery Services continue to support Stay ChatTY and kindly donated $1000 to allow us to [...]

Kat and Julia delivered teacher, parent and student workshops to New Norfolk High this month. They discussed ways young people can look after their own mental health and the importance of getting help early if you’re struggling. It was great to talk about mental health and wellbeing in a supportive [...]

Stay ChatTY is excited to announce that Joel Berry has joined the team as a Youth Advisor. This is a new role created to engage young people in mental health promotion, and make sure that Stay ChatTY’s youth-focused initiatives are relevant and accessible to young people. Joel is a young person [...]

We love receiving updates of the Stay ChatTY Hagg cruising around in Antarctica. Thank you for the epic shots 📸 Meg McKeown 👌 #StayChatTY #Antarctica