Meet
Mitch.
Glazier turned public speaker. Sharing his lived experience in a bid to change the way Australians view mental health and suicide.
BIO
Few people have the drive and dedication of Mitch McPherson. When his younger brother Ty took his own life in 2013, Mitch, a glazier by trade, turned the devasting loss into the successful suicide prevention charity SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.
Since then, Mitch the 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year, has spoken to over 700 events which include school groups, workplaces and sporting clubs, community events and National Conferences all across the country. Through partnering with key community groups, businesses and sporting identities SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY has over 26,500 likes on its Facebook page, and this support continues to grow daily.
Since 2014 Mitch has partnered with Relationships Australia Tasmania, to ensure that the message of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY continues to grow. Now with a dynamic and passionate team, programs in schools and sporting clubs across the state continue to educate Tasmanians on the issues surrounding mental health – https://staychatty.com.au/programs/
Mitch is dedicated to spreading the message that nothing is so bad that you can’t talk about it, and his vision that SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY will become a national charity, with a focus on delivering programs in schools and sporting clubs around Australia to increase awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
Expand your knowledge and be inspired to action after hearing Mitch’s story of losing his brother to suicide.

presentations
Expand your knowledge and be inspired to action after hearing Mitch’s story of losing his brother to suicide.
Mitch’s presentation covers:
- Personal story (how losing my little brother to suicide rocked our world)
- Signs we missed
- Opportunities we missed
- Bouncing back / Finding my purpose
- Creating SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY
- Glazier turned public speaker
- 1% can change a life
- Mitch’s 5 ways to create change
All of the above can be delivered in 30-45 minutes.
Mitch’s book ‘Behind the Smile’ will also be available to purchase at the time.
We acknowledge that the subject of suicide may be difficult for many people. Mitch delivers his personal story with sensitivity, and in alignment with existing best practice guidelines for safe language.
If you would like Mitch to visit your school, workplace, community group or sporting club across Australia, please contact us below, or at admin@mitchmcpherson.com.au
Book
After the loss of his younger brother Ty to suicide, Mitch McPherson founded SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.
It started humbly with a bumper sticker to keep Ty’s name alive, and turned into a successful initiative raising awareness of suicide and changing the way people view mental health.
Mitch tells the moving story of his brother’s life and death to help others recognise warning signs that there may be a struggle behind someone’s smile. He speaks plainly and simply, connecting to those who need to hear these messages – the young, sportspeople, tradies and more.
It’s a powerful book to read, and Mitch’s experience shows us all the importance of looking out for those around us. It might even save the life of someone you love.
ORDER NOW!
Local Pick-up:
- Available two (2) business days after purchase
- Please collect from: Farmgate Flowers, 205 New Town Road, New Town


achievements
Mitch’s list of personal achievements since creating the charity continue to grow. Since 2013, Mitch has been awarded the following:
- Clarence Citizen of the Year Award in 2014
- Tasmanian of the Year finalist 2014
- Southern Cross Young Achiever, Heather and Christopher Chong Community Service Award 2015
- Tasmanian Pride of Australia Medal for Community Spirit 2015
- Southern Cross Young Achiever, St Luke’s Healthier Communities Award 2016
- Premier’s Young Achiever of the Year Award 2016
- Red Herring Surf Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LIFE Award 2016
- 2016 Tasmanian Community Achievement Award winner for ‘Healthier Communities’
- 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year
- National 2020 Men’s Health Awards – Tasmanian “People’s Choice” Winner


Contact
Get in touch with us today.
For bookings or enquiries please submit the form to the right, or email us directly at admin@mitchmcpherson.com.au.