Meet
Mitch.

“TasRail reached out to Mitch from SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY as part of our overall approach to mental health awareness. 2020 was a hard year for everyone and we identified that, with the impact of COVID-19, it was more important than ever to revisit the message that it is ‘ok to not be ok’. Mitch travelled around the state and presented his story to staff, and the reaction was beyond anything we had experienced before, certainly far more than we expected. While TasRail has always had a focus on mental health, our staff now have even more in their ‘toolbox’ to help them take care of their own mental health; and are equipped and empowered to check in with their family, friends and workmates. Mitch’s personal message is one that we will never forget and has provided an ideal avenue for ‘keeping the conversation going’. A remarkable man with a message that everyone needs to hear. We look forward to building on our positive relationship with SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.”

“This was one of the best things that TasRail has ever done for its people”

“A raw and emotional account of a family tragedy that’s presented from the heart. Mitch shares his insight into the signs and signals that can help us all identify people in our own lives that need us to start a conversation and let them know we’re here for them and listening.”

“I learnt that its ok to not bottle up thoughts and emotions and talk more to family and friends. I don’t have to do it all myself.”

“I first met Mitch McPherson during Speak Up Stay Chatty’s infancy, when I was teacher. I had never heard Mitch speak but I invited him to present to my Grade 6 students. We all listened to Mitch’s raw and confronting personal story, detailing the time when Mitch’s younger brother, Ty, took his own life and the harsh reality of a family struggling to carry on in the aftermath. It was profound experience. Mitch and I have become friends and I am continually inspired by his outlook and ability to recount his family’s own tragic experience in an effort to help others. Mitch works in the community to promote mental health and prevention of suicide by normalising conversations and encouraging people to seek help when they need it. Mitch has received many awards for his work and was the 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year. Mitch is an inspiration to many and I’m proud to support him.”

“Fairbrother has hosted Mitch as a part of the training we deliver to our first year carpentry and cabinet making apprentices in March for the last six years. The message he delivers to the approximately 25no. attendees each year is personal and very engaging. He interacts directly with us and is able to deliver his message in a way that consistently leaves everyone better off having heard his story and experiences. He is a down to earth and relatable speaker. Each year, the new apprentices always note the segment he delivers as one of the highlights of the training day. We would gladly recommend Mitch as a speaker to other groups, businesses and organisations.”

“Suicide is a significant issue in Tasmania and across the nation. Every life lost to suicide is devastating for those left behind. Through working in the Tasmanian community, Mitch harnesses his lived experience of a family member dying by suicide to deliver key messages that raise awareness of how people can reach out and support a friend, relative or loved one who is experiencing emotional distress and may be at risk. I’ve listened to Mitch speak in many different settings over recent years, and have always found that his presentations create a safe and supportive space for people to have authentic conversations about mental health and suicide. In a simple, genuine, and powerful way, Mitch gets people thinking, talking and engaged by encouraging and empowering them to support each other during tough times. Mitch is committed to making a difference through reducing stigma, fostering resilience, and building confidence to tackle these issues at a grassroots level in our communities. These are the skills that can help people throughout their lives, and indeed could change the trajectory for many individuals and families.”