Approximately 20,000 people from right across the state have showed their support for Speak Up Stay ChatTY today, donning their shorts on the shortest day of the year.
Schools and businesses around Tasmania celebrated the third annual Shorts Day in all different ways today, with the team from Stay ChatTY visiting participants on every corner of the island.
The theme this year is ‘find your way to BRAVE IT’ this Shorts Day – and Stay ChatTY founder Mitch McPherson says the Tasmanian community has “certainly risen to the challenge”.
“Activities have ranged from sunrise walks in shorts, fun & colourful shorts fashion parades, outdoor hot chocolate and SHORTbread fundraising drives, and even jumping into the cold waters in Strahan in shorts”.
Funds raised today will help SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY continue their work in promoting positive mental health and preventing suicide through their ongoing delivery and expansion of Stay ChatTY programs, presentations, and initiatives.
Mitch McPherson visited primary school students at Mt Carmel College in Sandy Bay this afternoon, talking to them about mental health and why it’s important to check-in on your mates.
Speaking on the Dan & Christie breakfast show this morning, Mitch shared memories of his brother Ty – who was the inspiration behind Stay ChatTY.
“10 years on you get older and get more softer and I’ve got kids now and I certainly get more emotional when I speak about it now, but I certainly also know that this work and this charity has helped me grieve and help me get through that process,” he said.
“To know that in his legacy we’ve been able to change, save and alter lives when it comes to suicide prevention and mental health is really cool, and no doubt is something that he’d be looking down on us and be really proud of”.
If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or A Tasmanian Lifeline (8 AM – 8 PM) on 1800 98 44 34.
