SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY celebrates a decade of impact

In 2023, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY marked a decade since its founding in 2013 by Mitch McPherson, driven by the tragic loss of his younger brother Ty to suicide.

The organisation’s mission is to stop stigma and normalise mental health conversations.

Stay ChatTY delivers educational mental health presentations in schools, sporting clubs, workplaces, and community groups across Tasmania and to date over 65,000 Tasmanians have participated in one of these impactful sessions.

The dedicated team of six are passionate about providing the Tasmanian community with mental health tools and strategies to navigate life’s challenges and build confidence in the power of showing up for others in providing supportive conversations.

Stay ChatTY provides a visual reminder for the community to check in on loved ones and to seek support when needed.

With over 100,000 stickers in circulation on cars, utes and machinery across Tasmania, Stay ChatTY provides a visual reminder for the community to check in on loved ones and to seek support when needed. Each year, Stay ChatTY delivers 300 mental health educational sessions in schools, sporting clubs, workplaces, and community groups, engaging over 6,500 participants annually. Their flagship event, Shorts Day, launched in 2021, has reached over 68,000 individuals, further amplifying their message of mental health awareness and support throughout the community. These efforts not only advocate for positive mental health but also encourage open conversations and active support networks across Tasmania.

Looking ahead to the next ten years, Stay ChatTY remains committed to expanding and enhancing their programs and initiatives to further support the Tasmanian community.